
On Feb. 4, 2012 Coach Larry Bock was inducted into the Juniata Sports Hall of Fame as the Most Winningest Coach in NCAA Women’s Volleyball history. President Tom Kepple delievered a speech to a packed gymnasium in Bock’s honor. Photo Credit: Sungouk Park
Volleyball coaching legend Larry Bock was inducted into the Juniata Sports Hall of Fame Sun., Feb. 4 in front of a jam-packed Kennedy Sports and Recreation Center. Between the second and third sets of the men’s volleyball match against George Mason, Bock accepted this accolade and watched his name ride a banner into the rafters. Bock’s 1,352 coaching victories give him the most victories in NCAA history, regardless of division.
“I’m not a numbers guy, or a counter or care about records,” said Bock. “I did very little; maybe a common denominator among a lot of people. This is more than just one person. The people’s shoulders I stood on, it was recognition
for them.”
Amidst the relentless “Larry” chants and “we love you” shouts, Bock, who was introduced by President Kepple, gave an endearing speech. As chills climbed up the spines of former players and fans, Bock delegated the credit away from himself and presented it to his family, coaches, players and close friends.
“He’s never one to really like being in the spotlight,” said Heather Pavlik, current head women’s volleyball coach, as well as Bock’s former player and assistant coach. “However, I think over the years he’s had to get used to it a little bit as it just comes with as much success as he has. He’s always someone that spreads the credit around. Larry probably does shy away from taking as much credit as
he deserves.”
Bock had no choice but to accept the spotlight on this night. He was the only hall of fame inductee in this year’s class.
“His induction was kind of expected,” said Steph Strauss, former player for Bock and current assistant coach at Juniata. “I’m glad they made him his own class in the hall of fame, because it is so well deserved. He’s in his own league in the coaching ranks, not only at Juniata, but in the whole country in any sport.”
The all-time leader in NCAA women’s volleyball coaching victories, Bock amassed a 1,252-192 record over his 34-year career on the sideline. He also coached the Juniata men’s volleyball team for six seasons, adding 100 victories to that already astounding total.
“This was the easiest induction in the history of Hall of Fames,” said Greg Curley, Athletic Director and men’s basketball head coach. “I just can’t tell you how fortunate we all are to have had the chance to work with him. He was very demanding, but at the same time he was always under control and always patient enough with those around him to let them succeed or fail on their own.”
“I walked away loving everything about the sport because of Larry,” said Katie Charles ’05, a 2004 national champion. “I never really wanted it to end. He taught us to be compassionate. Juniata volleyball is a very special place because of him.”
Bock’s ability to teach his players and his thirst for competition and success were easily recognized. Throughout his 34 year coaching career, he was named the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) “National Coach of the Year” five times, as well as the Volleyball Monthly/ASICS “National Coach of the Year” three times.
Under the leadership and direction of Bock, Juniata was the only team to appear in all 30 NCAA Division III Tournaments, reaching at least the quarterfinal round each time. But Bock’s most prestigious achievement came in ‘04 and ‘06, when he led the Eagles to the program’s first and second NCAA Division III National Championships.
As a result of his unparalleled career, Bock was selected as a member of the first class in the AVCA Hall of Fame and as a charter member of the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
“Some coaches are really good at the motivation aspect, while others are experts in the Xs and Os or recruiting,” said Abby Leonard ’06, member of Juniata’s first national championship. “Larry simply has got it all. He always had high expectations for his players and the faith in our abilities that we could do some very special things. He was very good at getting our teams to set goals and work together to achieve them.”
As the night continued and the third set of the men’s match began, the Eagles seemed to bottle up some of the night’s magic. The men’s volleyball team fought back from an 0-2 set disadvantage to win the match against George Mason; capping off an already unforgettable evening.
“It was a very special night,” said Bock. “My old high school basketball and baseball coach Jack Dickey was in attendance. If I ever wanted to coach like anyone, it was Coach Dickey. He was a real teacher and a real coach.”
It’s safe to say, just as Bock looked up to his former high school coach, so have many Juniata student athletes looked up to Bock.





