Former Ohio State women’s volleyball coach Jim Stone, the longest tenured and winningest coach in program history, passed away March 10 after a battle with cancer, the school announced. He was 73.
Stone compiled a 531-294 record in 25 years as the Buckeyes’ head coach. He won three Big Ten championships and made 15 NCAA Tournament appearances. Stone and the Buckeyes reached the Final Four in 1991 and 1994, which remain the only two instances in program history.
Ohio State volleyball coach Jen Flynn Oldenburg played under Stone for four years.
“I was fortunate not only to have him [Jim Stone] as my coach, but as a mentor and eventually a friend,” Oldenburg said via a release. “Jim’s impact on my career and my life is immeasurable. I truly believe I would not be in the position I am in without his wisdom, guidance and support. Jim has left a lasting impression not only on Ohio State but the entire volleyball community.”
Stone is 11th all-time on the list of longest tenured Ohio State coaches (1982-2007). He coached 19 American Volleyball Coaches Association All-Americans and two AVCA Player of the Year recipients (Laura Davis in 1994, Stacey Gordon in 2004). Under Stone’s watch, Ohio State volleyball finished 16 seasons with a national ranking. He was inducted into the AVCA Hall of Fame in 2021.
Stone served as the head coach of the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team. He is the only USA age group coach of either a male or female team to win medals at the world event.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Former Ohio State volleyball coach Jim Stone dies at 73
Reporting by Dan Aulbach, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
