Three coaches inducted into volleyball Hall of Fame

Colorado Springs, Colo. – The NJCAA Volleyball Coaches Association announced its 2017 Hall of Fame inductees Monday. This year's class features three current or former Division II coaches- Lisa Stuck of Glendale Community College (AZ), former Cowley College (KS) head coach Jenifer Bahner and the late Mary Davis of Black Hawk Community College (IL).

Jenifer Bahner

Cowley College (KS)

In only five seasons as an NJCAA coach, Jenifer Bahner made a lasting impact at Cowley. The Kansas City native helped guide the Tigers to its only two NJCAA Division II Volleyball championships (2011, 2013) and posted an impressive career record of 177-16 (.917).

The Baker University (KS) alum was hired as a graduate assistant at Pittsburg State (KS) in 2007 and spent two seasons on the bench before taking over as the head coach at Cowley at just 24 years of age. In her first season at the helm, the Tigers recorded a 32-5 record and were the runners up in the national championship match, losing in five sets to Illinois Central.

Two years later, the Tigers captured their illusive first national championship under Bahner, finishing the campaign at 38-2. The second title and final season under Bahner's leadership was in 2013 where Cowley defeated Parkland (IL) 3-2.

For her efforts at Cowley, Bahner was named the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Coach of the Year in 2013. In five seasons under Bahner's tutelage, Cowley never finished outside the national top three rankings.

The early career success of Bahner was noted by the AVCA as a two-time recipient of the "Thirty Under 30" Award for the top coaches in the nation under the age of 30.

Bahner currently coaches at Drury University (MO), a NCAA Division II program and has led the Panthers to a 57-34 record in her first three years as head coach.

Bahner and her husband Tyson have one daughter, Paityn.

Mary Davis 

Black Hawk Community College (IL)

The late Mary Davis began serving as the head coach of Black Hawk in 1991 and led the Braves to 512 wins over a stellar 26-year career.

Davis' path in the NJCAA began in 1983 when she began her collegiate playing career at Black Hawk. The Savanna, IL native played two years for the Braves before joining the coaching staff as an assistant for her alma mater in 1986. Davis held the role for four years until she took over the reigns as the leader of the program.

Along with her induction into the NJCAA Hall of Fame, Davis was honored as a member of the NJCAA Region IV Hall of Fame in 2016

Outside of volleyball, Davis was a beautician and operated her business for 26 years in Erie, IL.

Davis passed away this past September after a 12 year battle with cancer. Black Hawk athletic director Gary Huber called Davis "one of the most genuine people I've known. She was a phenomenal person."

Davis' impact on the community was on full display following her passing when Erie High School held a "Paint the Gym Purple" event to honor the late great coach. Davis founded the Erie Club Volleyball program that positively impacted many youth throughout the area over the years.

Lisa Stuck

Glendale Community College (AZ)

For the past 20 seasons Lisa Stuck has steered the ship for the Glendale volleyball program. This past season Stuck surpassed the 500 win mark for an overall record of 502-221.

During her tenure with the Gauchos, the program has experienced unprecedented success. Glendale has won the Region 9 championship nine times which resulted in nine national tournament appearances. In 2014 Glendale won the NJCAA Division II Volleyball National Championship – the only volleyball championship in program history.

Individually, Stuck has garnered numerous coaching awards, including District Coach of the Year (9), ACCAC Coach of the year (6), and NJCAA DII National Tournament Coach of the Year (2014).

Stuck also coached for four years at Mesa (AZ) prior to her arrival at Glendale.

As a player, Stuck was an All-American standout at Arizona State from 1980-83 and is a member of the Sun Devils' Hall of Fame. Stuck was also a member of the USA National Team and participated in the World University Games.

Stuck continues to guide the Glendale program as the Gauchos posted a .625 winning percentage in 2017.

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