At the Net: March 11, 2026

The AVCA is saddened to learn of the passing of renowned volleyball coach and educator Jim Stone.

The AVCA Hall of Fame member lost his battle with cancer on March 10. His service will be held Tuesday, March 17, at Bohlender Funeral Chapel in Fort Collins, CO, starting at 10 a.m.

Jim began his full-time coaching career with the University of Wyoming women’s team in 1979. He took over the program at Ohio State in 1982 and served as the Buckeye head coach through the 2007 season, leading them to 531 wins across 26 seasons. He had spent the last two decades working with USA Volleyball, particularly the youth National teams, as well as giving back to the sport as a clinician, trainer, and writer.

“Jim was one of the rare people in coaching who truly embodied the idea of being a lifelong learner,” said AVCA CEO Jaime Gordon. “He never positioned himself as someone who had it all figured out. If anything, he was always the one asking the questions. His humility, especially after decades of success, is remarkable. It’s easy to chase wins, but it’s much harder to keep chasing growth.”

The AVCA has plans to memorialize Jim’s teaching and educational legacy. More details on that will be forthcoming.