Pitt Volleyball Legend: Julie Gaul, Champion Coach and Advocate

Champion Player

Julie Gaul is known as a legendary Pitt Volleyball player. She was a starting setter during the 1980s and 1990s. During her time on the team, Pitt earned four consecutive NCAA tournament appearances from 1989 to 1992. Gaul helped lead the Panthers to the program's first Big East Championship title in 1991 and an NCAA tournament appearance. She is Pitt's career assists leader (5,656) and ranks ninth in digs (835).

In 1991, Gaul received the Big East Player of the Year. She was named to three All-American teams, earning AVCA All-America Honorable Mention recognition in 1990 and 1992 and third-team honors in 1991. In 2013, she was inducted into the Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame.

Champion Coach

After her standout career as a setter, Gaul joined the Pitt volleyball coaching staff as a graduate assistant from 1993-94. Gaul returned to Pitt in 2009 as head coach after serving as head coach at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) for 12 seasons. She led the Miners to six NCAA tournament appearances and a pair of NCAA tournament victories.

In 2010 her team won the Big East Championship and received an NCAA Tournament berth. In 2013 the Panthers received an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament after capturing the program's first ACC Championship title.

Julie Gaul is the winningest coach in program history. Gaul has compiled an overall record of 431-255 (.631). She is the only coach to lead Pitt to an NCAA Tournament victory and the only coach to guide Pitt to multiple NCAA Tournaments. She has the second-most wins among active ACC coaches.

Champion Advocate

In addition to her success as a player and coach, Gaul is a strong advocate for the sport of volleyball and the ACC. Gaul is a member of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) and serves on the AVCA's All-America Committee.

Julie Gaul is also a member of the ACC Volleyball Coaches Committee. She is a passionate advocate for the growth of the sport of volleyball and the ACC. She is a role model for young volleyball players and coaches.

Conclusion

Julie Gaul is a true legend in the sport of volleyball. She is a champion player, coach, advocate, and role model. She has made a significant contribution to the University of Pittsburgh and the ACC. Julie Gaul is an inspiration to all who know her.