Biography:
Kathy Gregory (born 1945) is an American retired volleyball coach who made a significant impact on the sport. Throughout her 38-season career as the head coach of the University of California, Santa Barbara’s women’s volleyball team, she amassed an impressive 882 wins, which ranks fifth among all coaches in NCAA Division I history. Gregory’s contributions to the sport as both a player and a coach have solidified her place in the Volleyball Hall of Fame.
Gregory’s journey in volleyball began as a player, where she found success at both the national and international level. In 1970, she represented the United States at the World Games, showcasing her exceptional skills on the global stage. The following year, Gregory captained the American team at the Pan American Games, further establishing herself as a prominent figure in the sport. She also had the privilege of leading the San Diego Breakers, a professional team, where she served as the team’s captain.
Born and raised in California, Gregory’s passion for volleyball began to take shape early in her life. Encouraged by her brother Bill, she entered a mixed open tournament at the age of 14 in 1959, igniting her love for the game. She continued to pursue volleyball while attending Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles and California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA), where her talent continued to flourish.
After her playing career, Gregory transitioned into coaching and made an enduring impact on the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). She took over as the head coach of the women’s volleyball team in 1974, just three years after the passage of Title IX. Despite the challenges that came with inadequate funding and resources for women’s sports, Gregory persevered, leading her team to numerous NCAA appearances, including the Elite 8 and Sweet 16.
Gregory’s coaching tenure at UCSB was marked by her unwavering dedication to women’s sports and her commitment to creating opportunities for her athletes. She faced the adversity of coaching in a gym that reached scorching temperatures of 110 degrees, had to personally set up nets, and struggled to secure assistant coaches and scholarships for her student-athletes. Nevertheless, her determination led to remarkable achievements and brought recognition to the women’s volleyball program.
In recognition of her extraordinary career, Gregory was inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame in 1989. Her impact on women’s sports extended beyond her coaching years, as USA Volleyball selected her as an All-Time Great Women’s Player in 1984. Her contributions to beach volleyball were also acknowledged when she was named a Women’s Beach All-Era Player in 2004 and an All-Time Great Female Beach Volleyball Player in 2015.
Kathy Gregory’s legacy as a player and coach in the world of volleyball is a testament to her passion, skill, and determination. Her remarkable achievements, both on and off the court, have left an indelible mark on the sport and have paved the way for future generations of athletes and coaches.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame in 1989
– Selected as an All-Time Great Women’s Player by USA Volleyball in 1984
– Named a Women’s Beach All-Era Player by USA Volleyball in 2004
– Recognized as an All-Time Great Female Beach Volleyball Player by USA Volleyball in 2015