Stegall Named Two-Year College Southeast Region Coach of the Year
Head Coach, Laura Stegall, has held the reigns of the Falcon Volleyball program since 2013 when the program launched its inaugural season. Stegall has amassed a 145-77 record in her seven seasons at Daytona State College, ranking as high as 6th in the nation during her tenure.
Six years after the Falcon's first season of volleyball, Stegall has earned the esteemed honor of Region Coach of the Year. The Falcon's recorded a 16-10 record this season, though solid was by far Stegall's best record while coaching at Daytona State. However, it was her accomplishments off the court that likely garnered attention for this year's COY accolade.
Stegall was diagnosed with Stage IIIc ovarian cancer in February 2019. Her toughest opponent to-date. Despite the hurdles she has had to cross the past 10 months, Stegall didn't miss a single practice or match this fall. She was committed to demonstrating strength, resiliency, and relentlessness to her team as she finished chemo treatments and transitioned to life after cancer. By all accounts Stegall is winning. Her most recent scan results demonstrated no evidence of disease and she is hopeful that it will stay that way.
"I had an amazing team this year. They were extremely competitive, demonstrated relentless work ethic every day, and were committed to daily excellence on and off the court. I was blessed with not only a great group of players, but I have an amazing assistant coach (Coach Booker). This award goes to the 2019 Lady Falcons for their commitment and support. I couldn't have made it through my treatments, practices, matches, or this season without the commitment of my players, Coach Booker, and my family," commented Stegall on the recent honor.
Stegall will be honored alongside other COY honorees at the December 19th AVCA Convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
"I truly appreciate my colleagues recognizing the journey I have endured this past year. It means the world to me that they would honor me and the challenges the Lady Falcons had to overcome this season. I am also hopeful that I have taught my players that even though life may knock you down, it is our responsibility to attack each day and each challenge with a positive attitude and our best relentless effort each and every day."