LEXINGTON, Ky. - The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) announced its 2024 Hall of Fame class, and it includes legendary former American University coach Barry Goldberg, along with Kathy Gregory, Hugh McCutcheon, and Joe Sagula. These four legendary volleyball coaches, who have made significant contributions to the sport across their careers, bring the number of members of the AVCA Hall of Fame to 101. This year's induction ceremony will take place Thursday, Dec. 19, during the 2024 AVCA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

Barry Goldberg

It is hard to imagine the late Goldberg could have known the immeasurable impact his decision in 1989 to accept the women's volleyball coaching job at American University would have on not only his life, but also the lives of so many others.

Goldberg spent 34 years building the Eagle program and setting records. He earned 10 Coach of the Year honors and guided American to 16 Patriot League titles. His teams made 18 NCAA Tournament appearances, including advancing to the Sweet 16 in 2013, and the Eagles are the only Patriot League team to win an NCAA tournament match. During his final season on the sidelines, he earned his 800th career coaching victory.

"Barry Goldberg is an essential part of the growth and history of our sport," said Shaun Kupferberg, Howard University women's volleyball coach. "He was a catalyst who helped bring the game to an underserved area, and he provided a road map for smaller collegiate programs to compete with more established universities; all of that while remaining humble and always giving back to the volleyball community."

His commitment to the sport extended beyond his coaching at American University. He was the director of the Washington, D.C.-based Metro American Volleyball Club for 15 years, and he and his wife started the Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic, a highly successful tournament that's been held annually since 2007.

Goldberg passed away in March of 2023 at age 61 after being diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer a year earlier.

AVCA Hall of Fame Release