Volleyball Magazine May 28, 2023
by Lee Feinswog
by Lee Feinswog
Y Our Friend – Marilyn Mcreavy, 1968 Oympian and Legend Passes
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Youtube live stream is being provided by Laura McReavy Hearnsberger
Praying that the internet connection can hold the bandwidth of this "Celebration of Marilyn McReavy- Nolen Life"
Praying that the internet connection can hold the bandwidth of this "Celebration of Marilyn McReavy- Nolen Life"
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Services were held at First United Methodist Church
501 North California Big Lake, Texas April 22 (2:00 PM CST)
501 North California Big Lake, Texas April 22 (2:00 PM CST)
What kind words from her team mate and lifetime friend Lou Sara
This is a bittersweet day for me. My friend Marilyn McReavy-Nolen is finally free from the pain and agony that she suffered for 14 months after being diagnosed with cancer. Her funeral was today and I know she is at peace.
Marilyn was my friend and also a teammate during our 60-year friendship. She was one in a million, a truly unique and talented woman who loved volleyball and worked tirelessly throughout her coaching career to do her best with the young women that she coached. And her best was awesome.
She was never boastful or arrogant about her myriad accomplishments. Her mood was always upbeat, even throughout her battle with cancer. She endured so much pain but she never gave up hope. I wish that she had been treated much more aggressively and effectively for her cancer but for some reason there was very little done in that regard.
I cherish the fact that she was a lifelong friend and wonderful teammate. I will miss her very much and keep her memory alive by remembering and relating all the wonderful aspects of her personality. She was good and kind and deserves to be celebrated in the volleyball world for those attributes as well as her achievements as a coach. Lou Sara McWilliams
Marilyn was my friend and also a teammate during our 60-year friendship. She was one in a million, a truly unique and talented woman who loved volleyball and worked tirelessly throughout her coaching career to do her best with the young women that she coached. And her best was awesome.
She was never boastful or arrogant about her myriad accomplishments. Her mood was always upbeat, even throughout her battle with cancer. She endured so much pain but she never gave up hope. I wish that she had been treated much more aggressively and effectively for her cancer but for some reason there was very little done in that regard.
I cherish the fact that she was a lifelong friend and wonderful teammate. I will miss her very much and keep her memory alive by remembering and relating all the wonderful aspects of her personality. She was good and kind and deserves to be celebrated in the volleyball world for those attributes as well as her achievements as a coach. Lou Sara McWilliams
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 18, 2023) – USA Volleyball was saddened to learn of the death of 1968 U.S. Olympian Marilyn McReavy Nolen, who died April 13 in Big Lake, Texas, at age 78.
McReavy Nolen attended Howard Junior College before graduating from Southwest Texas State University in 1966.
She played for the U.S. Women’s National Team from 1967-75, winning the gold medal at the 1967 Pan American Games in Winnipeg, Canada, before competing in the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City where the U.S. Women finished eighth. She also competed at the 1971 Pan American Games in Cali, Colombia.
In 2018, McReavy Nolen shared her memories of the 1968 Olympic Games while attending a reunion of the ’68 team in Colorado Springs: “It was a wild time. The thing I remember is being able to eat in all the cafeterias. Every country had their own, so you could go around and eat all this different food. There was some concern we might get sick by eating different food. Early in the morning, I would go down to the track, which was way down below. I would just sit on the wall and watch these phenomenal human beings as they worked out in the morning on the track. It was an amazing thing. I can remember it like it was yesterday.
“I think the other thing was the fact that there were not that many women there. We had a hotel and there was a fence around it and we were guarded. I thought that was unusual. “But also, going to downtown and hanging around. The traffic and the people. We traded everything. I brought my dad back this bright yellow jacket from France that I traded for. He wore it forever. I managed to get the West German warm-up stuff. Everybody was after it. All the different pins.”
McReavy Nolen went on to win two USA Volleyball women’s open national titles (1972, ’73) with E Pluribus Unum and she was a four-time All-American. McReavy Nolen helped develop the first U.S. Olympic national training center in Texas, before it moved to Colorado Springs.
While still playing, McReavy Nolen began a legendary coaching career at Sul Ross State University (Texas), where she helped start the women’s volleyball program.
McReavy Nolen and her U.S. teammate Mary Jo Peppler coached the 1971 and ’72 teams to the inaugural women’s volleyball college national championships, overseen at that time by the Division of Girls’ and Women’s Sports of the American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation.
McReavy Nolen went on to coach at New Mexico State, Utah State (where she won another national title with Peppler), Kentucky, Florida, North Florida and Saint Louis universities. In 2002, she became the third NCAA Division I coach to win 800 matches. She finished her career with 809.
She is a member of the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame, having won the All-Time Great Coach Award in 1996 and the James E. Coleman National Team Award in 2022.
She was named a Distinguished Alumna by Texas State University, a Title IX Trailblazer by the Atlantic 10 Conference and is a member of the halls of fame of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), the Women’s Sports Foundation, Utah State, and Reagan County (Texas) Athletics. McReavy Nolen was a popular speaker, trainer and clinician.
She is survived by her husband, Rev. Randolph Nolen, and her sons Travis and Ryan among other family.
Her memorial will be at 2 p.m. CDT on April 22 at the First United Methodist Church in Big Lake, Texas.
McReavy Nolen attended Howard Junior College before graduating from Southwest Texas State University in 1966.
She played for the U.S. Women’s National Team from 1967-75, winning the gold medal at the 1967 Pan American Games in Winnipeg, Canada, before competing in the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City where the U.S. Women finished eighth. She also competed at the 1971 Pan American Games in Cali, Colombia.
In 2018, McReavy Nolen shared her memories of the 1968 Olympic Games while attending a reunion of the ’68 team in Colorado Springs: “It was a wild time. The thing I remember is being able to eat in all the cafeterias. Every country had their own, so you could go around and eat all this different food. There was some concern we might get sick by eating different food. Early in the morning, I would go down to the track, which was way down below. I would just sit on the wall and watch these phenomenal human beings as they worked out in the morning on the track. It was an amazing thing. I can remember it like it was yesterday.
“I think the other thing was the fact that there were not that many women there. We had a hotel and there was a fence around it and we were guarded. I thought that was unusual. “But also, going to downtown and hanging around. The traffic and the people. We traded everything. I brought my dad back this bright yellow jacket from France that I traded for. He wore it forever. I managed to get the West German warm-up stuff. Everybody was after it. All the different pins.”
McReavy Nolen went on to win two USA Volleyball women’s open national titles (1972, ’73) with E Pluribus Unum and she was a four-time All-American. McReavy Nolen helped develop the first U.S. Olympic national training center in Texas, before it moved to Colorado Springs.
While still playing, McReavy Nolen began a legendary coaching career at Sul Ross State University (Texas), where she helped start the women’s volleyball program.
McReavy Nolen and her U.S. teammate Mary Jo Peppler coached the 1971 and ’72 teams to the inaugural women’s volleyball college national championships, overseen at that time by the Division of Girls’ and Women’s Sports of the American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation.
McReavy Nolen went on to coach at New Mexico State, Utah State (where she won another national title with Peppler), Kentucky, Florida, North Florida and Saint Louis universities. In 2002, she became the third NCAA Division I coach to win 800 matches. She finished her career with 809.
She is a member of the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame, having won the All-Time Great Coach Award in 1996 and the James E. Coleman National Team Award in 2022.
She was named a Distinguished Alumna by Texas State University, a Title IX Trailblazer by the Atlantic 10 Conference and is a member of the halls of fame of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), the Women’s Sports Foundation, Utah State, and Reagan County (Texas) Athletics. McReavy Nolen was a popular speaker, trainer and clinician.
She is survived by her husband, Rev. Randolph Nolen, and her sons Travis and Ryan among other family.
Her memorial will be at 2 p.m. CDT on April 22 at the First United Methodist Church in Big Lake, Texas.
Tribute to my friend and colleague Marilyn McReavy
Today, I sit wondering where the past 51 years went, and I am so blessed to have you, Marilyn McReavy Marilyn M Nolen, in my life for all those years. You have been an excellent mentor and role model for many of us.
We could always count on you to be where you said you would be and always show up in a positive spirit, no matter how many hours and days it took you to drive. Marilyn, you never gave up fighting and hoped to win the cancer battle.
Lou Sara and I have been with you when you struggled with your health, especially over the past two years. We know you are out of pain and in the hands of the best company ever… Our Lord and Savior.
Marilyn, you are and will always be such a great inspiration, and I am so happy and fortunate to have been on the same team for so many years. We competed against each other in coaching, and there was never a moment when we didn't share our knowledge of the sport. Every experience was filled with new surprises and FUN times on the court ... success was always part of your DNA. Your Dallas stops, we especially enjoyed the action of our College-Bound Coaches Network Camps, the many clinics we did together, and your stopovers at the AVCA Convention.
Remembering a few of your accomplishments included being an AVCA Hall of Fame and USA Volleyball Hall of Fame member. You will always be respected and appreciated for your many successes beginning with your two National Collegiate Titles at Sul Ross University from 1969-1972. You moved on with former Sul Ross standout Mary Jo Peppler. You created EPU (E Pluribus Unum), winning many USVBA OPEN National Championships and All-American awards. Many of these players became part of the 1975 Women's National Team Training Center in Pasadena, Texas. Your journey continued to New Mexico State, forging a path to Utah State, where you won another AIAW National Championship, which landed you a job at the University of Kentucky. From Kentucky on to the University of Florida 1984-1991 created a foundation for those that followed you. North Florida came calling, and you completed your collegiate coaching career at St. Louis University in 2003.
Marilyn, I want to thank you for taking me on your and Mary Jo's EPU team as a setter in 1973 and being a trusted colleague through the USA National team, Kentucky, Florida, Utah State, Sul Ross (twice), New Mexico and so many schools as it was hard to keep up with where your journey was taking you after competing in the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games.
Many have not had the pleasure of being around your creative mind and outstanding kindness. Please know that those paths you crossed truly appreciated everything you did for them and the tremendous trail blazing you did for the State of Texas and all those in Volleyball Land.
The late Pat McChesney and Howard would be so proud of all you have given to everyone...
Again, Lou Sara, thank you for helping, being right there every day, and finding a way to support Marilyn in her rough battles.
This week, I began telling extensive Marilyn stories while I talked with Val Armstrong, Penny Lucas-White, and former EPU teammates Linda Stout and Jerrie McGahan. Boy, your ears had to have been burning, as there are no better stories than about MARILYN.
Our trip to Japan .... oh my...what stories we have told and will continue your LIFE legacy by sharing most of them.
God Bless you as you are now at peace, my friend.
We love you! Ruth N. Nelson
Today, I sit wondering where the past 51 years went, and I am so blessed to have you, Marilyn McReavy Marilyn M Nolen, in my life for all those years. You have been an excellent mentor and role model for many of us.
We could always count on you to be where you said you would be and always show up in a positive spirit, no matter how many hours and days it took you to drive. Marilyn, you never gave up fighting and hoped to win the cancer battle.
Lou Sara and I have been with you when you struggled with your health, especially over the past two years. We know you are out of pain and in the hands of the best company ever… Our Lord and Savior.
Marilyn, you are and will always be such a great inspiration, and I am so happy and fortunate to have been on the same team for so many years. We competed against each other in coaching, and there was never a moment when we didn't share our knowledge of the sport. Every experience was filled with new surprises and FUN times on the court ... success was always part of your DNA. Your Dallas stops, we especially enjoyed the action of our College-Bound Coaches Network Camps, the many clinics we did together, and your stopovers at the AVCA Convention.
Remembering a few of your accomplishments included being an AVCA Hall of Fame and USA Volleyball Hall of Fame member. You will always be respected and appreciated for your many successes beginning with your two National Collegiate Titles at Sul Ross University from 1969-1972. You moved on with former Sul Ross standout Mary Jo Peppler. You created EPU (E Pluribus Unum), winning many USVBA OPEN National Championships and All-American awards. Many of these players became part of the 1975 Women's National Team Training Center in Pasadena, Texas. Your journey continued to New Mexico State, forging a path to Utah State, where you won another AIAW National Championship, which landed you a job at the University of Kentucky. From Kentucky on to the University of Florida 1984-1991 created a foundation for those that followed you. North Florida came calling, and you completed your collegiate coaching career at St. Louis University in 2003.
Marilyn, I want to thank you for taking me on your and Mary Jo's EPU team as a setter in 1973 and being a trusted colleague through the USA National team, Kentucky, Florida, Utah State, Sul Ross (twice), New Mexico and so many schools as it was hard to keep up with where your journey was taking you after competing in the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games.
Many have not had the pleasure of being around your creative mind and outstanding kindness. Please know that those paths you crossed truly appreciated everything you did for them and the tremendous trail blazing you did for the State of Texas and all those in Volleyball Land.
The late Pat McChesney and Howard would be so proud of all you have given to everyone...
Again, Lou Sara, thank you for helping, being right there every day, and finding a way to support Marilyn in her rough battles.
This week, I began telling extensive Marilyn stories while I talked with Val Armstrong, Penny Lucas-White, and former EPU teammates Linda Stout and Jerrie McGahan. Boy, your ears had to have been burning, as there are no better stories than about MARILYN.
Our trip to Japan .... oh my...what stories we have told and will continue your LIFE legacy by sharing most of them.
God Bless you as you are now at peace, my friend.
We love you! Ruth N. Nelson
If anyone has any photos you would like to share ..please send them to [email protected]
A special thank you to Lou Sara for being there for Marilyn every day with whatever was needed. |
Our dear friend and colleague Marilyn McReavy - Nolen passed early this morning. She never gave up fighting and hoped to win her cancer battle.
She has played a role with so many, and I personally will miss her tremendously as she was always so positive about life. These past two years have challenged her, and I know she is now in God's hands. Prayers out to Randy and the boys, as she was truly the life of the party. Marilyn, you are and will always be such a great inspiration, and I am so happy and lucky to have been on the same team for so many years. We competed against each other in coaching, and never a moment that we didn't share our knowledge of the sport. God Bless you as you are now at peace, my friend. Every experience was filled with new surprises and FUN times on the court with our friend Marilyn McReavy ...success was always part of her DNA.. enjoy action during her Dallas stops. Thanks for all the many, many experiences beginning in 1973 |
EPU began in Houston, Texas by Marilyn McReavy and Mary Jo Peppler in 70's
Former Billiken Volleyball Coach Marilyn Nolen Passes Away4/14/2023 4:10:00 PM
ST. LOUIS – Former Saint Louis University volleyball coach Marilyn McReavy Nolen passed away Thursday, April 13. She was 78.
"It is hard to overstate the impact Marilyn Nolen had on the sport of volleyball specifically and on women's athletics in general," Saint Louis Director of Athletics Chris May said. "She helped pave the way for countless numbers of young women to enjoy a meaningful competitive experience and make their marks in athletics and beyond. We at Saint Louis University are proud to say that our institution benefited greatly from her leadership, passion and knowledge. We extend our sympathy to Marilyn's family, friends, colleagues, and others whose lives she touched."
Nolen led the Saint Louis program for 10 seasons (1994-2003), guiding the Billikens to a 190-140 record. Among the five SLU teams that collected 20 or more wins during her tenure was the 1995 squad that posted 29 victories, the second-highest total in program history. The 1995 Billikens finished first in the Blue Division of Conference USA and earned a berth in the National Invitational Volleyball Championship, where they won three of four matches and finished fifth. In 1998, Nolen was selected C-USA Coach of the Year.
Nolen retired from coaching following the 2003 season but returned for the 2013 season at Sul Ross State, where she began her career in 1969. She also led programs at New Mexico State, Utah State, Kentucky, Florida and North Florida. Nolen's 33-year career produced 809 victories, which rank 16th on the all-time NCAA Division I list. At the time of her 2003 retirement, she ranked third in wins among active Division I coaches.
A true pioneer in volleyball and in the advancement of women's athletics, Nolen played at the highest levels of the sport. She was a member of the U.S. national team that captured the gold medal at the 1967 Pan American Games and competed in the 1968 Summer Olympics. Nolen continued to represent her country in international play through 1975.
Just weeks following her 2003 retirement, Nolen was recognized for her accomplishments with induction into the American Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame as a member of the inaugural class. She also was a member of the Women's Sports Foundation Hall of Fame.
Nolen was named a Title IX Trailblazer by the Atlantic 10 Conference as part of the league's celebration of the 50th anniversary of the passing of the landmark law. She and 15 other women were spotlighted at the 2023 Atlantic 10 Conference Women's Basketball Championship for their roles in creating and protecting opportunities for girls and women in sport and intercollegiate athletics throughout their careers.
ST. LOUIS – Former Saint Louis University volleyball coach Marilyn McReavy Nolen passed away Thursday, April 13. She was 78.
"It is hard to overstate the impact Marilyn Nolen had on the sport of volleyball specifically and on women's athletics in general," Saint Louis Director of Athletics Chris May said. "She helped pave the way for countless numbers of young women to enjoy a meaningful competitive experience and make their marks in athletics and beyond. We at Saint Louis University are proud to say that our institution benefited greatly from her leadership, passion and knowledge. We extend our sympathy to Marilyn's family, friends, colleagues, and others whose lives she touched."
Nolen led the Saint Louis program for 10 seasons (1994-2003), guiding the Billikens to a 190-140 record. Among the five SLU teams that collected 20 or more wins during her tenure was the 1995 squad that posted 29 victories, the second-highest total in program history. The 1995 Billikens finished first in the Blue Division of Conference USA and earned a berth in the National Invitational Volleyball Championship, where they won three of four matches and finished fifth. In 1998, Nolen was selected C-USA Coach of the Year.
Nolen retired from coaching following the 2003 season but returned for the 2013 season at Sul Ross State, where she began her career in 1969. She also led programs at New Mexico State, Utah State, Kentucky, Florida and North Florida. Nolen's 33-year career produced 809 victories, which rank 16th on the all-time NCAA Division I list. At the time of her 2003 retirement, she ranked third in wins among active Division I coaches.
A true pioneer in volleyball and in the advancement of women's athletics, Nolen played at the highest levels of the sport. She was a member of the U.S. national team that captured the gold medal at the 1967 Pan American Games and competed in the 1968 Summer Olympics. Nolen continued to represent her country in international play through 1975.
Just weeks following her 2003 retirement, Nolen was recognized for her accomplishments with induction into the American Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame as a member of the inaugural class. She also was a member of the Women's Sports Foundation Hall of Fame.
Nolen was named a Title IX Trailblazer by the Atlantic 10 Conference as part of the league's celebration of the 50th anniversary of the passing of the landmark law. She and 15 other women were spotlighted at the 2023 Atlantic 10 Conference Women's Basketball Championship for their roles in creating and protecting opportunities for girls and women in sport and intercollegiate athletics throughout their careers.
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Utah State Volleyball thank you
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Kentucky Volleyball thank you
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Utah State 1978 AIAW National Collegiate Championships
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USU Volleyball coaches Marilyn McReavy Nolen (left) and Mary Jo Peppler (right) in matching outfits consult notes as they observe the volleyball court (not pictured). Several USU women volleyball players can be seen in uniform and spectators sit in the stadium seating behind them.
In 1978, the women’s volleyball team won Utah State University its first national championship, the culmination of years of hard work and dedication by the players and coaches. However, the story of these national champions is more than just their victory.
Women’s sports have existed at Utah State since nearly the beginning of the university, but for decades play was always local, never venturing outside of Cache Valley. In addition to meager resources and support, the lack of organized leagues hampered opportunities for women’s athletics. The 1970s saw the passage of Title IX and the emergence of women’s sports all over the nation.
Drawing on university records, newspaper articles, and the players themselves through oral histories conducted by students from HIST 3005 in the spring of 2022, this exhibit celebrates the women’s volleyball team’s 1978 championship and explores the many effects Title IX had on the school, including the challenges of securing resources, facilities, and community support. While progress was slow at times, Title IX has had an undeniable effect on Aggie athletics, giving opportunities to generations of women athletes.
Women’s sports have existed at Utah State since nearly the beginning of the university, but for decades play was always local, never venturing outside of Cache Valley. In addition to meager resources and support, the lack of organized leagues hampered opportunities for women’s athletics. The 1970s saw the passage of Title IX and the emergence of women’s sports all over the nation.
Drawing on university records, newspaper articles, and the players themselves through oral histories conducted by students from HIST 3005 in the spring of 2022, this exhibit celebrates the women’s volleyball team’s 1978 championship and explores the many effects Title IX had on the school, including the challenges of securing resources, facilities, and community support. While progress was slow at times, Title IX has had an undeniable effect on Aggie athletics, giving opportunities to generations of women athletes.
Interview by Coaching Wizard John Forman with Marilyn. Click on photo to hear full interview that was done in 2015. You will feel her warmth, passion and love for the sport.
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Texas Highway talks about West Texas winning history of volleyball at Sul Ross UniversityClick on photo to read the full story
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Marilyn McReavy Nolen accepts the USA Volleyball All-Time Great Coach Award in 1996. (photo courtesy of USA Volleyball)
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Marilyn and the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City
USA National Team made of Sharkie Zartman , Flo Hyman and Beth along with EPU players Jerrie McGahan , Mary Jo Peppler, Patty Dowdell, Carol Dewey, Marilyn McReavy, Linda Stout, Melissa Stephens, Ruth N. Nelson, Lucy Courtney Bertha Lucas and Head Coach Pat Zartman (photo courtesy of USA Volleyball)
Marilyn McReavy Nolen, No. 3 next to the man with a tie, and the 1974 U.S. Women's National Team pose with the Japanese National Team.
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Marilyn McReavy Nolan, second from the right with ponytail, playing with the 1974 U.S. Women's National Team.
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Marilyn McReavy (second from right back row) pictured with the 1967 U.S. Pan American Games Team one year before being selected to the 1968 U.S. Olympic Women's Volleyball Team.