Born: 1944 (Rockford, Illinois)
Biography:
Mary Joan Mary Jo Peppler (born October 17, 1944) is a retired American volleyball player and coach who has left an indelible mark on the sport. With a career that spanned several decades, Peppler not only excelled as a player but also made significant contributions to the development and promotion of the sport of volleyball.
Peppler was born in Rockford, Illinois, before relocating to Texas at the age of 6. It was during her time in Texas that she discovered her passion for volleyball and began her journey towards becoming one of the sport’s most influential figures. In the 4th grade, she signed up for the Girls Athletic Association, where her talent and dedication quickly became evident.
Peppler attended Sul Ross State and became a six-time All-American player. Her skill and leadership on the court were instrumental in guiding her team to back-to-back Division I National championships, achieving an incredible undefeated record of 70-0 over two seasons. These accomplishments solidified her status as an exceptional athlete and set the stage for a successful coaching career.
As a coach, Peppler made significant contributions to various teams and organizations. She served as both an assistant and head coach at Utah State, Florida, and Kentucky, leaving a lasting impact on the teams she worked with. During her time at Sul Ross State, she led her team to multiple national championships, showcasing her ability to develop and nurture talent.
Peppler’s coaching prowess extended beyond college volleyball. She mentored the number-one women’s beach volleyball team of Karolyn Kirby and Liz Masakayan from 1991 to 1996, guiding them to numerous victories. In the 2000s, she took on the role of coaching Bulgaria’s women’s Olympic beach volleyball team, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and successful coach.
Peppler’s international career also includes representing the United States in various prestigious competitions. She played on the 1964 U.S. Olympic Team, the 1967 U.S. Gold Medal Pan American Team (where she was named to the All Tournament Team), and the 1970 World Championships, where she was recognized as the tournament’s most outstanding player.
Throughout her career, Peppler received numerous awards and honors that recognize her exceptional contributions to the sport. She was inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame in 1990, an honor that reflects her impact as both a player and coach. Additionally, she received All-Star honors in 1987 and 1988 and the USVBA’s All-Time Great Player Award in 1982. In 1983, she was honored with induction into the Women’s Sports Hall of Fame, further solidifying her status as one of the sport’s legends.
Peppler’s dedication to volleyball extended beyond her on-court successes. She has authored several books, including Inside Volleyball for Women (Copyright 1977) and contributed to Coaching Tips for the 90’s (Copyright 1991). Her expertise and insights have also been featured in the Volleyball Coaching Bible, specifically in Chapter 10, titled Using New and Proven Teaching Techniques (Copyright 2002).
Mary Jo Peppler’s contributions to the sport of volleyball and her tireless dedication to coaching have made her an influential figure in women’s athletics. Her achievements, both as a player and as a coach, continue to inspire generations of athletes and shape the future of the sport.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame in 1990
– All-Star honors in 1987 and 1988
– All-Pro award in 1987
– USVBA’s All-Time Great Player Award in 1982
– Inducted into the Women’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1983