Chapel Hill, NC (June 19, 2019) – The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) named Linda Lang its 13s Coach of Year for the 2019 Season. The Club Awards program recognizes ten deserving coaches in the youth/club volleyball community across the United States.

As a founding member of CHAVC’s juniors program in the early 2000’s, Linda Lang set the standard for CHAVC’s excellence and leadership in junior club volleyball. As coaching director, board member, and head coach of CHAVC’s 13 Black teams, she has been an integral part of developing the club’s mission, vision and reputation for excellence in the Triangle. While she has coached all age groups over the years, Linda found her special niche coaching our top level 13s team for the past 10 years. Her gentle, yet methodical and systematic approach to developing these young athletes has proven to be extremely successful as many of her athletes have gone on to play for top Division 1, 2 and 3 programs including UNC Chapel Hill and NC State University. In addition to teaching proper skills and technique to her young athletes, Linda is committed to passing on her love of the game and the values of integrity, honesty, hard work, and sacrifice. She has been an important mentor to both CHAVC’s younger and more seasoned coaches, always keeping the best interest of the athletes in mind when making decisions.

Linda’s passionate commitment to serving the broader community has become one of CHAVC’s core values. She was responsible for implementing the club’s community service project at UNC Hospital’s SECU Family House and organizes CHAVC’s volunteer efforts with the Special Olympics of North Carolina’s volleyball events each May. In addition for her work with CHAVC, Linda also coaches at Carrboro High School and runs the Special Olympics “Unified” volleyball team with the specially-abled students at the high school. When she is not coaching or volunteering, Linda can be found making dinners or running errands for ill neighbors, friends, and anyone in need.

The mission of the AVCA is to advance the sport of volleyball with AVCA coaches at the epicenter of leadership, advocacy and professional development. With a membership of over 8,000 and counting, the AVCA provides a professional network for those individuals and companies dedicated to enhancing and promoting the sport. Members include collegiate, high school, club, youth and Olympic coaches, as well as volleyball club directors. The AVCA provides education to volleyball coaches, recognition of elite players and coaches, promotion of volleyball competitions throughout the world, and networking opportunities for volleyball products and services providers. Further information is available at www.avca.org.