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Legendary Trojan Volleyball Coach Van Compton Announces Retirement

Published

4 weeks ago

December 3, 2025

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – One of the most influential and enduring leaders in Little Rock Athletics history is stepping away. Head volleyball coach Van Compton, a cornerstone of the department for nearly four decades, has announced her retirement after serving the institution since 1986.

Compton first arrived at Little Rock to coach women’s basketball before transitioning to volleyball two seasons later — a move that would define an era. She also served as the department’s Senior Woman Administrator during her tenure, contributing to the growth of women’s athletics across the program.

“I am so grateful to have been here as long as I have,” Compton said. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of my tenure, but it’s time to turn the page and open the door for someone younger. It was an emotional decision because I love coaching and love our players, but it was time.”

Compton’s retirement follows the achievement of two career-defining milestones this season: surpassing the 600-win mark as a Trojan and her election to the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. She concludes her Little Rock career with a 603-527 record — 675 wins overall — after completing her 38th season at the helm.

During that remarkable stretch, Compton built Little Rock Volleyball into one of the most respected programs in the region. Her teams captured four Sun Belt regular-season championships, five Sun Belt Tournament titles and made five NCAA Tournament appearances. A commitment to excellence, consistency and player development helped define the standard for the program.

“Coach Compton’s impact on Little Rock Athletics and the state of Arkansas is immeasurable,” said Director of Athletics Frank M. Cuervo. “For nearly four decades, she has embodied what it means to be a Trojan — competitive, principled, and committed to her student-athletes. She built a championship-caliber program that elevated our department and influenced generations of young women through her mentorship and leadership. We will miss her presence deeply, but her legacy will continue to shape Little Rock Athletics for years to come. We are profoundly grateful for all she has given to this institution.”

A national search to identify the next Trojan Volleyball head coach will be launched immediately.

Her early years showcased program-building ability. In 1989, Compton engineered a 21-win improvement, guiding the Trojans to a 27-11 record. A year later, Little Rock finished 21-3, and when the program transitioned into the Sun Belt in 1991, Compton’s teams were immediately a league powerhouse.

The late 1990s marked an era of dominance that still stands unmatched. From 1996–98, Little Rock became the only program ever to win three consecutive Sun Belt Tournament titles, each resulting in an NCAA Championship berth. The Trojans added more accolades in 1999 and 2000, cementing their place among college volleyball’s elite.

Her 2014 squad remains the gold standard of her tenure. The Trojans finished 30-5, posted the first-ever 20-0 Sun Belt record, held the nation’s longest winning streak late in the season, defeated No. 16 seed Kansas for the program’s first NCAA Tournament win, and finished No. 24 in the final AVCA poll — the first Top-25 ranking in school history. Compton earned both Sun Belt and AVCA Southwest Region Coach of the Year honors that season.

“We won a lot of games and enjoyed a great deal of success in 38 seasons,” Compton reflected. “I couldn’t have done that without so many talented players. We have had determined, hardworking young women who wanted to be great. While the success was wonderful, I’m most proud of the character of these young women and how they’ve succeeded in life. That’s what matters most.”

Beloved among colleagues for her warmth and steady leadership, Compton has been a constant presence through generations of administrators, coaches and staff.

“We’ve had some really good people work here,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed my friendships with the administrators and coaches I’ve worked with. I love coming to the office every day. I’m really going to miss being at the Jack Stephens Center.”

A native of Forrest City and a graduate of Arkansas State, Compton began her career as a high school teacher before entering the college ranks. Her journey ultimately led her to Little Rock — where she became a pillar of the department and one of the most respected figures in Arkansas athletics.

Van Compton leaves behind far more than victories and titles. She leaves a legacy of integrity, mentorship, competitive spirit and transformational leadership — a legacy that will endure long after her final season.

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Having A Ball: Chautauqua Lake Central School Hosts Alumni Volleyball Tournament | News, Sports, Jobs

Published

13 minutes ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Pictured is one of the groups of participants in the recent Chautauqua Lake Central School Alumni Volleyball Tournament.
Submitted photo

MAYVILLE — Recently, Chautauqua Lake Central School hosted its first ever Alumni Volleyball Tournament, welcoming volleyball alumni back to the court for a day of friendly competition, shared memories, and community connection.

Varsity Volleyball coach Joanne Meadows came up with the idea a few months ago with the help of her brothers, David Sturm, who coaches Junior Varsity, and Eric Sturm who is the assistant coach for both teams. The goal was to create an opportunity for both former and current players to reconnect, play for fun, and celebrate the tradition of volleyball at Chautauqua Lake Central School.

Meadows said the tournament did just that, adding that it not only celebrated the tradition of the program but also strengthened the sense of community among players across generations.

“It was a great day for past and present Mayville and Chautauqua Lake Volleyball players and shows why this program has been so special for so many years,” Meadows said. “The camaraderie in the gym was amazing to see.”

To get the tournament going and gather interest, Eric Sturm created a Facebook page for the event and invited alumni from across the years through it. Some alumni responded with full teams already, while others reached out individually and were placed on rosters, with five teams of about nine players formed overall.

Participants ranged from alumni dating back to the Class of 1993 to current students. Participants were both men and women, and Chautauqua Lake officials said it served to create a unique mix of experience, camaraderie and fun.

“We are so blessed to have the Meadows family coaching at Chautauqua Lake,” Chautauqua Lake Superintendent Josh Liddell said. “Their leadership, and the incredible support of all the alumni who returned to play and reconnect, helped make an event that truly celebrated the impressive volleyball tradition and community they’ve built over the past three decades.”

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Emerald Acres Volleyball Tournament | MyRadioLink.com

Published

4 hours ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Emerald Acres Volleyball Tournament | MyRadioLink.com

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Former Illini basketball sharpshooter Luke Goode engaged to Illinois volleyball star Kayla Burbage

Published

4 hours ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Love is in the air for two of Champaign’s top athletes in recent years. Former Illini men’s basketball wing Luke Goode popped the question to Illinois volleyball middle blocker Kayla Burbage, the couple shared via Instagram on Wednesday.

“Proverbs 18:22: ‘He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord,’” Goode wrote. “Going into the New Years as future Mr. and Mrs. Goode!”

Goode spent the first three years of his college career in Champaign, graduating from the Gies School of Business in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in finance. After his sophomore season was cut short due to a foot injury, Goode bounced back as a junior, playing in all 38 games for the 2024 Elite Eight team. That season, the 6-foot-7 sharpshooter averaged 5.7 points and shot 38.9% from three on just over four attempts per game.

Last season, Goode spent his final year of eligibility playing for his home state Indiana Hoosiers before turning pro. He is currently suiting up for the South Bay Lakers in the NBA G League. In 11 games so far as a rookie, Goode is putting up 7.6 points and 3.0 rebounds in just above 20 minutes per game.

Burbage just finished up her final season of college volleyball. After spending her freshman campaign at Missouri, Burbage decided to make the move to Champaign. As a sophomore and junior, Burbage played in every match on Illinois’ schedule: 60 total. A shoulder injury sidelined the 6-foot-4 North Carolina native for her senior season, but she returned for a graduate year in 2025. In her final season at Huff Hall, Burbage ranked second in total blocks (82.0) for the Illini and had the fifth-most kills on the team (98).

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Hawkeyes Knock Down Nebraska – Iowa Hawkeyes Athletics

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4 hours ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

IOWA CITY, Iowa – No. 14 Iowa (12-2, 3-0) defeated No. 20 Nebraska (12-2, 1-2) on New Years Day inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena, 86-76.

Sophomore Chit-Chat Wright dominated the day for the Hawkeyes with a career-high 24 points, three assists, and two steals. Senior Hannah Stuelke followed with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists to notch her third double-double of the season.

The Huskers came out to a fast-paced 8-0 run to start the game. Stuelke got the scoring started for Iowa by getting to the line, sinking both free-throws. Three minutes into gameplay, the Hawkeyes began to capitalize on Nebraska miscues. Sophomore Ava Heiden led a 7-0 run for Iowa to bring the gap to 9-12 with 4:46 left in the quarter. The Huskers contained a narrow 21-18 lead headed into the second quarter.

Wright drained a three-pointer to start the second period, tying up the score for the first time on the day. The Hawkeyes went on to gain nine points on seven forced Husker turnovers in the half. Heiden led the quarter with eight points going 4-for-4 on field goals. A combined 26 points, shooting 66.7 percent in the quarter, left Iowa behind 44-45 at half.

The Hawkeyes came out of the locker room with an 8-2 run to put them in front. Iowa forced four Husker turnovers in the first three minutes of the third quarter, capitalizing five points off of them. Stuelke continued to be a difference maker for Iowa with seven points and two rebounds. This momentum pushed Iowa up 64-61 heading into the fourth.

In the final quarter, the Hawkeyes continued their defensive pursuit, forcing five more turnovers, adding to their total of 18 on the day. Senior Taylor McCabe hit a three-point basket at 4:32 to power Iowa to the end. The Hawkeyes pushed out a 15-6 run to secure a Hawkeye victory.

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Dallas Pulse set to make history in season opener at Comerica Center

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6 hours ago

January 2, 2026

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North Texas’ first women’s professional volleyball team will officially launch its inaugural season on Saturday, Jan. 10.

DALLAS — For North Texas volleyball fans, Saturday’s season opener represents more than just a first serve, it’s the beginning of something the region has been waiting for.

The Dallas Pulse, the region’s first women’s professional volleyball team, will open its inaugural season Saturday, Jan. 10, hosting the Indiana franchise at Comerica Center in Frisco.

The matchup marks the first Major League Volleyball game played by a Dallas-based team and is a milestone moment for the metroplex.

The Pulse will play 14 home matches during the 2026 Major League Volleyball season, giving local fans a consistent opportunity to support a women’s pro team built in their own backyard.

Saturday, Jan. 10 – Indy
Thursday, Jan. 15 – San Diego
Thursday, Feb. 5 – Omaha
Sunday, Feb. 8 – Grand Rapids
Thursday, Feb. 19 – Indy
Sunday, Feb. 22 – Grand Rapids
Friday, Feb. 27 – Orlando
Friday, March 13 – Columbus
Sunday, March 15 – Atlanta
Saturday, March 21 – San Diego
Thursday, March 26 – Atlanta
Friday, April 17 – Columbus
Friday, May 1 – Omaha
Sunday, May 3 – Orlando

Leading the team into its first season is head coach Shannon Winzer, who was named to the role in September. The January debut places Dallas at the center of the league’s early growth as women’s professional volleyball continues to gain momentum nationwide.

The timing feels right for North Texas. The region has long been a volleyball hotbed, producing elite athletes through nationally recognized club programs, championship high school teams and top-tier collegiate programs. Until now, many of those players, and the fans who followed them, had no local professional team to rally behind.

Dallas Pulse leadership told WFAA that they hope to change that.

Season ticket deposits are currently open, and the Pulse holds the No. 1 overall pick in the Major League Volleyball Draft scheduled for Nov. 24, giving the team a chance to add a cornerstone player ahead of its debut season.

Major League Volleyball is also preparing for future growth, announcing plans to add expansion teams in Washington, D.C. and Northern California in 2027.

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