CHARLIE BERG

WESTOSHA CENTRAL & KENOSHA CHRISTIAN LIFE

The Wisconsin volleyball community benefited from the expertise of Coach Charlie Berg for 39 years. Coach Berg’s teams were consistently some of the top teams in the state. Charlie spent his time coaching at two different high schools, Westosha Central for 37 years and Kenosha Christian Life for 2 years. While at the helm, his teams compiled 27 conference championships, 35 regional championships and 19 sectional championships. During his 19 state tournament appearances his teams were runner-up 3 times and won 5 state championships in 1989, 1992, 2002, 2003 and 2006. Combined, Coach Berg has accrued an impressive career record of 1055 wins and 288 losses.

When asked what his proudest achievements have been, Coach Berg thought of many. Topping the list was when his daughter, Jena, was on his team from 2002-2005. He called her a great teammate that was a huge contributor to their success at the time. He also was thankful that his son, Evan, was able to be on the bench with him when he wasn’t playing at Ball State. He said Evan’s knowledge and vision were invaluable to him. Some of the highlights include the 1989 season in which his Falcons went a perfect 40-0 en route to their first ever State Championship. That season marked the first of 20 consecutive conference championships and began a stretch of 100 consecutive conference wins.

Charlie is so thankful for all of the talented and intelligent student-athletes that bought into him and his system. They are what made them the state powerhouse that they were.

Charlie has also spent years coaching at every level in the club volleyball realm--many of his teams competing on the national landscape. He also put together over 20 years of volleyball camps and coached at numerous college camps around the state of Wisconsin.

Charlie would like to thank his family for supporting him through all the times of his coaching career. A special thanks to his wife, Julie, who has been there through it all and always kept the house running while he was away coaching. He couldn’t have done any of this without her at his side. He would also like to give a very big thank you to all of his coaching staff over the years.  These people promoted and worked tirelessly to keep the strong tradition of our program year after year. A thank you to former Athletic Director, Kris Allison, for over 20 years of dedication and service to our program. Charlie values all of the coaches he has coached with and against over the years, and has always respected and learned from them.

The Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association is honored to induct Charlie Berg as a member of the WVCA Hall of Fame Class of 2021.


JON ELLMANN

GIBRALTAR, LOURDES ACADEMY, UW-OSHKOSH; WVCA PAST PRESIDENT

As indicated by a coaching career of over 20 years and counting, Jon Ellmann has a deep-rooted passion for the game of Volleyball. Jon began his coaching career by taking a position as the Head Volleyball Coach with Gibraltar High School and was at the helm from 1999 - 2003. In Jon’s words, he loved his time there but his record was “not good”. Jon was then selected as Head Volleyball Coach at Oshkosh Lourdes Academy, 2004 - 2016, where he would spend the next 12 years coaching. Jon’s remarkable experience as a coach is evidenced by six conference championships, three regional championships, one sectional championship, and one state appearance in 2015.

In 2016 Jon took his coaching expertise to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh where he is still currently coaching. He is also extremely involved in the Oshkosh Camps LLC, both as a coach and as the camp director.

Jon feels that one of his biggest accomplishments is building a positive volleyball culture and building relationships with the dozens of players and families that he had the opportunity to work with over the years is clearly #1. Volleyball became a priority sport at Lourdes Academy and  seeing the small impact that had not only in Oshkosh, but in the Fox Valley was incredible. In addition, to know that the program was left in good hands after he left and that their success continued was a wonderful and heartwarming thing.  

Jon coaches every player with respect and caring, no matter what their talent level is. Jon’s love for volleyball is only exceeded by his players’ love and respect for him. It’s not just about volleyball, but about life.

The Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association is honored to induct Jon Ellmann as a member of the WVCA Hall of Fame Class of 2021.


BETTY LANGE

NEWMAN CATHOLIC

Many may not know, but Betty Lange was a volleyball player long before she was a volleyball coach.  She has always had a passion to compete!  She was often seen packing her volleyball gear and with her 3 daughters, Krystle, Melissa and Ashley,  in tow heading to play! This passion for volleyball was passed down to all 3 of her girls where Betty was their biggest fan during their volleyball careers.

Something that has always been a constant element in both her playing and coaching is her compassion and attention to the humane side of the sport. She recognizes the humanity in her players, parents, fellow coaches, officials and all other people who are involved. Simply put, Betty genuinely cares not just about the win, but ensuring that each individual player has a healthy and memorable experience.

Coach Lange put Newman Catholic High School on the volleyball map in the state of Wisconsin. She built the program into an annual State Tournament contender and proven champion. While at the helm of Newman Catholic, Betty accrued a career record of 347 wins and 121 losses. Her teams won an impressive 5 conference championships, 11 regional championships, and 11 sectional championships.

During Newman Catholic’s 11 state tournament appearances, Betty led the Cardinals to 4 state championships in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. Her teams were also runner-up in 2009 and 2012.

When Betty is asked about all of her success she always states how incredibly blessed she is. She credits the people that she is around, the players, the coaching staff, and the people that work hard to make things happen.

The Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association is honored to induct Betty Lange as a member of the WVCA Hall of Fame Class of 2021.


MIKE & WENDY MEIEROTTO

WASHBURN

The Meierotto name is synonymous with volleyball in northwestern Wisconsin, instilling pride in the small community of Washburn, and unyielding respect from area opponents throughout recent history.

Leading the Castle Guards volleyball program were the husband and wife tandem of Mike and Wendy, who developed phenomenal squads in 24 seasons at the helm. Together the Meierotto-led Washburn teams hung countless Indianhead Conference championship banners, secured numerous WIAA Regional titles, and were perennial Sectional contenders. The Guards earned a pair of trips to the WIAA State Tournament under the Meierottos’ tutelage, winning the 2000 Division 3 State Championship before falling in the Division 3 State semifinals in 2002.

Though Wendy passed in 2018, her service to not only Washburn School District and Castle Guard volleyball, but numerous people and communities in Bayfield County continue to be celebrated. It was said, “Wendy was never just a coach on the court, but a mom and mentor for many young women throughout the community... Wendy gave her heart and soul to make this a safe and special place for children to come and play, learn, and be loved.”

Wins, trophies, and banners aside, one of the Meierottos’ biggest joys was coaching their daughters Aubrey, Chelsea, and Whitney who certainly helped put Washburn volleyball on the map. Together, Mike and Wendy certainly helped build Washburn into a volleyball powerhouse by truly embracing and embodying the concept of family.

The Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association is honored to induct Mike and Wendy Meierotto as members of the WVCA Hall of Fame Class of 2021.


BRUCE MORIARTY

NEENAH

Bruce spent his entire coaching career in the Neenah School District.  He began his coaching career with 4 years as an 8th grade coach, followed by 2 years as a JV coach and finishing up with 19 years as the varsity head coach.  During his 19 years his teams earned 9 Conference Championships, 18 Regional Championships and 7 Sectional Championships and accruing an overall record of 604 wins and 198 losses.  In his 7 State Tournament appearances he faced many outstanding teams, and was able to capture a State Championship in 2016.

Over the years, Bruce had the opportunity to coach amazing young ladies who he has watched become doctors, lawyers, teachers, school administrators, nurses, moms and many more amazing and influential people in our society.  Some of Bruce's proudest moments would be when they come back and say “Thank you” for the life lessons they’ve learned from the coaching staff and their experiences in the Neenah Volleyball program, and that those lessons have played a part in their life achievements and successes! Bruce is also so proud to have the Neenah volleyball program truly be a family. He loves that his family was an integral part of what they accomplished. Bruce’s three sons, Tommy, AJ, and Pierce were all involved as coaches in the program and the amazing role his wife, Jacque, played makes him very proud indeed!

Coaching has been a privilege and not something Bruce took for granted. He is so proud to have the amazing coaching staff, all the way from 7th grade through Varsity Assistant, all be on the same page and “pulling in the same direction”. He also wants to thank the parents and booster club members that have taken tremendous amounts of time and energy and invested in the program for so many years. Passion, Pride, Tradition will always represent Neenah High School! Go Rockets!

The Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association is honored to induct Bruce Moriarty as a member of the WVCA Hall of Fame Class of 2021.


LISA ROELKE

RIVER VALLEY

With 33 years of coaching experience, Lisa Roelke’s love for the game of volleyball is evident. Lisa began her coaching career by taking a position as the JV Volleyball Coach with River Valley High School for 6 years. After a one-year stint as an assistant at UW-La Crosse, Lisa accepted head coaching duties at nearby UW-Richland where she remained at the helm for four seasons.

Yet, she would end up back where it all began when she accepted the Head Volleyball Coach position back at River Valley--a place she would spend the next 22 years coaching. Lisa’s remarkable experience as a coach is evidenced by seven conference championships, five Regional Championships, one Sectional Championship, and WIAA Division 2 State Runner-up honors in 2005. All told, the Blackhawks amassed a record of 700 wins and 249 losses under her tutelage.

Lisa is sure that the greatest match she ever coached in, was the 2005 Sectional Semifinal vs. Richland Center. They were down 2-0, and behind 19-6 in the third set--needless to say, it looked like the State Tournament wasn’t going to happen. That is when senior captain, Jessa Benson, stepped into the huddle and told her team, “If this is my last game as a Blackhawk, I promise you, from this point on I’m not going to let one ball drop.” She left the huddle, dove 20 feet on the endline the very next play to dig a hard driven line shot, knocked the wind out of herself, and the team never looked back. At the conclusion of 2 hours and 45 minutes, River Valley won the match, going 30-28 in set three, 25-23 in set four, and 15-12 in set five. The sectional final two days later took less than an hour as they knocked off Edgewood to earn the first ever State berth--eventually falling to perennial power Waupun in the Division 2 Championship match.

Lisa states that in her career there have been so many proud moments, that it is hard to narrow it down to a couple. She is proud of almost every team she ever put on the floor, as one thing was for certain at RVHS, if you were in the volleyball program, you knew the meaning of hard work and conditioning, which Lisa truly believes helped her teams be so successful over the years.

Another of Lisa’s proudest moments came every year when she and her team worked hard to raise funds at the homecoming match to donate to a charitable cause. Her last season, 2019, they donated close to $5,000 to one of the alumni players from 1999, whose daughter was dying of an inoperable brain tumor. It felt so good to help this family out, as they were “Valley Raised” and it’s always so good to give back to those in need. To date, River Valley Volleyball has donated over $28,000 to community families in need, a figure to be very proud of.

The Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association is honored to induct Lisa Roelke as a member of the WVCA Hall of Fame Class of 2021.


DAVE SCHER

PIUS XI

Pius XI Catholic High School has been quite blessed to have Dave Scher running their volleyball program for 33 years. During his tenure, Dave’s teams won 16 conference championships, 23 regional championships and an impressive 20 sectional championships.  During his 20 state tournament appearances his teams have won seven WISAA State Championships in 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1994; and a WIAA Division 1 State Championship in 2002. Over the years Dave’s teams have amassed an incredible record of 1,034 wins and 364 losses.

When looking back at his 33 years of coaching, one thing that sticks out are the relationships that have been created over the years. These coaching relationships have been formed with so many wonderful people. The wins and championships pale in comparison to those special relationships.

From 1979-1991 Dave lended his coaching expertease to the Track and Field program.  While coaching track, Pius XI won the team conference and state championship titles in 1979. He has also coached several individual conference and state champions in the Long Jump, Triple Jump, and High Jump.

Dave feels truly blessed to have been a part of the Wisconsin Volleyball community for all these years. He has had the opportunity to meet so many amazing coaches, officials and athletes along the way. He is extremely humbled by this honor!

The Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association is honored to induct Dave Scher as a member of the WVCA Hall of Fame Class of 2021.


TED SCHULTE

CATHOLIC MEMORIAL

The name Ted Schulte and volleyball--particularly in southeastern Wisconsin--certainly go hand in hand. Ted, who began coaching lower levels at Pewaukee High School from 1989-1991, has written quite a storied history at Catholic Memorial High School in nearby Waukesha. Since he took over the Crusader program in 1992, Ted has amassed 977 wins and 337 losses, highlighted by 13 conference championships, 14 Regional championships, and 10 Sectional championships. His teams have competed in seven WISAA State Championships, winning titles in 1997 and 1998, and a remarkable 10 WIAA State Tournaments and seven championships in 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, and 2016.  

Learning the game while in college, Ted considers himself relatively late to the game of volleyball. He was taught the game through the many friendships he made with the UW-Milwaukee coaches and players of the early 1980’s when UWM was an NAIA powerhouse. His support for the Panthers transitioned from a fan into a variety of roles including a line-judge, a scorekeeper, and ultimately a referee. Countless hours were spent talking about the game with the players and coaches, playing pepper and hanging out at the Klotsche Center hoping to be selected to play in one of the rather infamous and quite intense lunchtime games. All of which, needless to say, delayed his graduation by a few years. Still, he says, it was time well spent and he claims to have a BA.

After graduation in 1984, and a short stint as a State Trooper, Ted returned to the Milwaukee area taking a job with the State Public Defender’s office. That job allowed him to resume his association with the game of volleyball playing in adult leagues, officiating high school matches and ultimately coaching in the high school ranks.

Ted has been with the Milwaukee Sting Volleyball Club since it was founded in 1989 as a small four team operation. He has been the club director for Sting since 1996, overseeing the club’s growth to its current size of 68 teams. In 2001 his 17 Gold team won the 17 Open division at the USAV National Championships, the first ever national title for Sting. 

The Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association is honored to induct Ted Schulte as a member of the WVCA Hall of Fame Class of 2021.


CAROL ST. ARNAULD

NIAGARA

Carol St. Arnauld will be entering her 36th year of coaching high school volleyball this fall and all but one of those years has been at Niagara High School. In her tenure at Niagara, her teams have won 10 conference championships, 15 regional championships, and 3 sectional championships. Her Badgers won the WIAA Division 4 State Championship in 1991, and were runners-up in 1992 and 1993. All of this has resulted in a career record of 612 wins, 264 losses, and 57 ties.

Having a team compete in the State Championship is every coach’s dream come true. To win a state championship is icing on the cake. Carol feels very fortunate that her teams were able to go to three state championships and to earn a trophy each time. Although she always wanted to win it all, it was an honor to bring something home for the small community in far northeastern Wisconsin. Her greatest accomplishment has been the ability to work with amazing young ladies and help mold them into fine women. Besides her outstanding players throughout the years, Carol states that this award would not be possible without her loyal and dedicated assistants; Anne Pucci, Jennifer (Curran) Houle, Nicole Anderson, Maryellen Wagener, and Christie Borchardt. They truly laid the foundation for varsity success.

Carol feels that she has been blessed in being able to coach in the community of Niagara. From administration to the parents it is all one of the best experiences ever. She will never be able to thank them enough. Carol truly views her players as her kids. They have done everything she has asked of them and because of that buy-in, Niagara has found success. They will always be special and important in her life.

The Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association is honored to induct Carol St. Arnauld as a member of the WVCA Hall of Fame Class of 2021.


SIMONE LEE

MENOMONEE FALLS & PENN STATE UNIVERSITY

From 2010-2013 Simone Lee led the Menomonee Falls volleyball team to incredible success. A four-year starter for the Indians and captain for both her junior and senior years, she led Menomonee Falls to a pair of WIAA Division 1 State Championships in 2013 and 2014. She earned WVCA All-State honors three years and was the MaxPreps Player of the Year in 2014, an AVCA/Under Armour First Team All-American, and the Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year.

After high school, Simone headed to Penn State University where she was a member of the Nittany Lions from 2014-2017, where her accolades continued. As starting outside hitter for the perennial power, she was a two-time AVCA First Team All American in 2016 and 2017, earned a spot on the AVCA All-Northeast Region Team, and the NCAA Lincoln Regional All-Tournament Team. Simone also earned several Big Ten Conference and ESPNW Player of the Week honors, and was named the Big Ten Player of the Year in 2017.

Simone is currently playing professionally. Her career has landed her positions on Imoco Volley (Italy), Beylikduzu Volley Klub (Turkey), Kurobe Aqua Fairies (Japan), and Allianz MTV Stuttgart (Germany), where she will continue to play in 2021.

One of Simone’s proudest accomplishments as a player is being a part of the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball National Championship team in 2014. She hadn’t gotten many opportunities to play that season but responded in a big way when called upon, helping PSU to a huge win over Stanford in the semifinal round. Simone’s contributions in that match helped propel the Nittany Lions to win their seventh National Championship.

When asked what are the biggest lessons she learned from volleyball, Simone stated five keys: a.) if you are given a chance, go all-out and hold nothing back; b.) effort is 100 percent within your control; c.) being a good teammate is just as important as being a good player; d.) you have to be coachable; and e.) be confident in your abilities! The team, staff, and coach saw something in you and put you on this team for a reason!

Simone feels so honored to be a part of this amazing Hall of Fame class. This is a testament to hard work and dedication to her craft. She is also so grateful to have family, friends, coaches, and mentors in her life that have helped her get to the place she is now.

The Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association is honored to induct Simone Lee as a member of the WVCA Hall of Fame Class of 2021.


AUBREY MEIEROTTO

WASHBURN & UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN

For four years Aubrey Meierotto led the Washburn volleyball team to incredible success. A four-year starter and captain for both her junior and senior years, she led the Castle Guards from the southern shore of Lake Superior to their first ever WIAA State Championship in 2000. While in high school, Aubrey was a four-time All-Indianhead Conference member and twice earned WVCA All-State honors.

After high school, Aubrey became a proud Badger at the University of Wisconsin, named team captain in 2004 and 2005 while recording over 1000 career kills in her tenure in Madison. Under her captainship, those Badger teams earned two Elite Eight berths.

One of Aubrey’s proudest accomplishments as a player is being a part of that first ever State Championship team in Washburn. Having her parents as her coaches was the icing on the cake.

When asked what are the biggest lessons she learned from volleyball, Aubrey cites several things: (1) Work ethic leads to success; (2) Always lead by example--great leadership will benefit you throughout so many different situations in life; (3) Failing is how you learn--your competitiveness will help you overcome a lot in life; (4) Be grateful--some chapters of our lives are over before we know it. It’s important to take the time to acknowledge all of the opportunities we’ve been blessed with; (5) Nothing is ever handed to you--you need to go out and earn it.

Aubrey feels that she owes all of her success in life to her wonderful parents. They raised her to be hard working, competitive and determined. She lives every day trying to make them proud.

The Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association is honored to induct Aubrey Meierotto as a member of the WVCA Hall of Fame Class of 2021.


HARRY BABCOCK

OFFICIAL

When high school volleyball officiating in Wisconsin is being talked about, the name Harry Babcock will most certainly be mentioned.

Harry has spent 41 years (and counting!) as a top-notch official in the state of Wisconsin. His officiating expertise has not gone unnoticed as he has officiated in 12 State volleyball tournaments. Harry has also appeared at six State softball tournaments, five State basketball tournaments, and even a State football championship.

With an impressive officiating resume of his own, Harry’s contributions to our sport are through a perhaps under-recognized vantage point--from atop the ref stand. He has lent his knowledge as a mentor to many young officials in the state of Wisconsin, impacting hundreds of young lives in his 41-plus years of involvement with volleyball specifically.

Harry also helped establish and manage the Wisconsin Valley Officials Association--a collection of referees in the greater central region of the state. He is so proud of his cultivation of lifelong relationships with students, athletes, parents, families, and friends of the game.

The Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association is honored to induct Harry Babcock as member of the WVCA Hall of Fame Class of 2021.