Tuesday was like any other day for Montgomery Academy coach Julie Gordon.
At least, that’s what she tried to tell herself. Now in her 44th year as the Eagles’ volleyball coach, the only thing that made Tuesday’s game with Prattville High any different were the former players on hand and the party poppers that were placed conveniently beneath each player’s chair as the final points were secured.
It was hard to hide the elation afterward, however, as the win gave Gordon her 1,500th career victory, one of only two volleyball coaches in this state and six in the nation to reach that hallowed plateau.
“I’m not one for hype or to keep up with stuff, but it is special,” Gordon said before pointing to her left. “Look, there are four (former players) from 1989. That’s a long time. And to know I’m still very good friends with all of them, that’s what it’s all about. I’ve never won a game singlehandedly. I rely on them. I love coming to practice every day. We just work hard in practice and have a good time. That culture breeds success.”
That culture was on display from the opening seconds when sophomore Addi Vinson set up sophomore Elle McBride for a kill for the game’s first point. Montgomery Academy (2-0) swept the best-of-five series from the Lions 25-7, 25-9 and 25-4, trailing only once as the Eagles fell behind 2-1 in the second game before roaring back.
“It was awesome,” sophomore Caroline McDaniel said. “She’s such a great coach and I’m so glad I got to be a part of her team and can celebrate this milestone with her.”
McDaniel finished with 15 kills and two aces, while McBride had nine kills and four aces and Isabella Johnson had five kills. Vinson had 22 assists and Avery Arden Pemberton had 13 digs.
The win improved Gordon’s record to 1500-421, trailing only Bayside Academy’s Ann Schilling (1638-423) in Alabama high school history. Years ago, Gordon and Schilling were among those chasing McGill-Toolen legend Becky Dickinson (1,273-129) and Hazel Green’s Glenda Wright (1,060-433), two pioneers in the sport who were the first Alabama coaches to reach the 1,000-win club before both retired in 1999.
Now, it is Schilling and Gordon who are blazing the path, with Schilling winning a state championship in each of the 1A-5A classifications and is now competing in 6A, while Gordon has won a state championship in each of the 1A-4A classifications and is now competing in 5A.
“I think we have a great team,” McDaniel said. “I’m super excited for this year. I love this team and the relationships we’ve built. I think we’re going to have a great season.”
And who knows? After securing her historic win on Tuesday, Gordon didn’t rule out the possibility that she might hang around long enough for her 1,600th win.
“Those three 10th graders have two more years,” she noted. “Imagine what they’re going to be like when they’re juniors and seniors. How do I leave that? And the talent on the junior varsity is maybe one of the best JV teams we’ve had in a while. The talent over here right now is very high in volleyball. Do I really want to leave it?”
WINNINGEST HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL COACHES
Jodi Manore, Bedford (Temperance, Mich.)
1980-83; 1990-present………………………………………2,180-385-63
Jack Magelssen, Delton Kellogg (Mich.)
1977-2004; 2006-12…………………………………………..1,832-350-20
Barbara Campbell, Brentwood Academy (Tenn.)
1988-2020………………………………………………………..1,765-298
Betty Wroubel, Notre Dame Prep (Mich.)
1979-present…………………………………………………….1,641-332-132
Ann Schilling, Bayside Academy
1988-present…………………………………………………….1,638-423
Julie Gordon, Montgomery Academy
1979-present…………………………………………………….1,500-421
Jim Fish, North Branch (Mich.)
1987-present…………………………………………………….1,405-326-54
