Varsity Volleyball Coach Brian LaVine Earns 500th Career Win

Cobleskill-Richmondville Varsity Volleyball Coach Brian LaVine reached a major milestone on Saturday, October 24, earning his 500th career match win. With 36 seasons of coaching experience, LaVine has helped build a successful volleyball program grounded in teamwork, strategy, and a love for the game.

“I love coaching volleyball for 3 main reasons: It is very much a team-oriented sport, you have to work together as a team in order to have success. It is a thinking person's game, you have to be smart in how you play. And thirdly — it's a tremendous amount of fun!!!!”

Reaching 500 match wins is a gratifying accomplishment for LaVine, but he shares the credit with the many people who have contributed to the program over the years.

“It feels gratifying to have 500 wins, kind of hard to believe. But it's just a testament to the players I've had over the years — their commitment and dedication and skill,” LaVine said. He also recognized the support players receive from their families and the encouragement he has received from his own family throughout his coaching career.

“I have had years of help from my assistant coach, Art Wallace, and longtime JV coach, Cathy Rightmyer.  I've also had excellent JV and  modified coaches over the years.  They have all contributed to the program's success. Kathy G., Jim L., Julie P., Lauren W., Julie W., Julie B., Leanne B., Bob E., Kathy D, Suzy U., Terri K., Kristen K. and Kendal R. The program has been successful due to the commitment of all these coaches, parents and players.”

Senior Joanna McCann, who has played under LaVine for the past four years, has seen firsthand how his coaching helps bring the team together “He makes sure we practice the way we play, so when we get out on the court, we work well as a team,” McCann said. “He’s been doing this for such a long time, and you really understand that he knows what he’s talking about. He has so much knowledge of the game.”

With 500 career victories, LaVine has earned more wins than any other volleyball coach in Schoharie County. He also ranks fourth on Section 2's career wins list, behind Gary Bynon of Burnt Hills, Cathy Stanilka of Lake George, and Peggy Seese of Argyle.

Congratulations to Coach LaVine on this outstanding milestone! Thank you for your years of dedication to C-R volleyball and for the lasting impact you have made on generations of Bulldog student-athletes.