Hall of Fame
The 1973 EKU volleyball team, led by Hall of Fame coach Dr. Geri Polvino, compiled the best overall record for any team in the more than 50-year history of the program with a record of 26-4. Due to funding issues, EKU did not participate in the 1973 National AIAW volleyball championship despite receiving an at-large bid to the tournament as a result of their outstanding record. The ’73 team dominated its opponents and for the third straight season went undefeated in state competition, winning EKU’s third consecutive Kentucky Women’s Intercollegiate Conference crown. The state championship results qualified the team for the 10-team AIAW Region II championship where EKU was upset by Memphis State in the opening round, sending the Colonels to the elimination bracket. EKU won the remaining matches, defeating Duke, Coker College and the rematch with Memphis State, 15-8 and 15-8. Nine region champions automatically qualified for the national tournament, while seven teams across the nation were invited to be at-large representatives. EKU received one of those bids but could not compete because of budgetary constraints. Three of six starters on the team were named Outstanding College Athletes of America, including Dianne Jones and Connie Urlage for volleyball, and Bernie Kok for volleyball and basketball.
