UNC head volleyball coach Joe Sagula was named Sunday as a Class of 2020 inductee to the North Carolina Volleyball Hall of Fame, after 30 years in charge of the Tar Heel program and 40 years involved in the coaching profession.

In 38 years as a Division I head coach, Sagula has 811 career wins. Prior to joining UNC in 1990, he was the coach at Penn from 1981-89.

Sagula’s 329 wins in ACC play are the most in conference history, and his seven ACC titles are tied for most all-time.

He becomes the first coach and just the fourth individual to join the NC Volleyball Hall of Fame.

“The Carolina Region of USA Volleyball is honored to select Joe Sagula as a 2020 inductee to the NC Volleyball Hall of Fame,” Jim Ross, current President of the Carolina Region, said. “As the first coach inducted, Coach Sagula is extremely deserving of this honor after all he’s accomplished in 30 seasons so far. Intentionally, we’re very selective about our criteria to be considered for the NC Volleyball Hall of Fame. There wasn’t even a question of someone else.”

Sagula was surprised earlier this week with the news while at a team practice.

“I’m honored, humbled and surprised by all of this,” Sagula said. “I’ve been in this state for a long time and I’ve seen a lot of growth in volleyball. I’m glad to be around so many people around the industry and at this university, but it comes down to the great players who’ve allowed me to coach them here at Carolina. I’m so proud of what we’ve done and what we’ve built in this area. All of my staff and coaches share this honor. Thank you.”

 

 

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

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