Maria Nolan left her mark in volleyball. Coaching her way to 46 seasons and over 1,100 wins, the New Jersey legend announced her retirement from volleyball, according to a release from Immaculate Heart Academy.
Distributed between Secaucus and Immaculate Heart, Nolan finishes her career with a 1,101-116 record and a lasting legacy as one of the biggest advocates for girls volleyball.
At Secaucus, she put the Patriots on the map, garnering 16 group championships and 15 Hudson County titles.
In 2004, Nolan made her way to IHA and made the program a consistent powerhouse. Under her helm, the Blue Eagles won 10 Tournament of Champions titles, 14 Non-Public championships, seven Bergen County trophies, 19 league titles and 10 Gatorade Player of the Year nods.
“It’s hard to believe everything that’s happened. Having it all laid out is humbling to see all that we’ve accomplished. I couldn’t have done it without the other coaches, parents, players and school personnel,” Nolan said.
“I’m grateful for everything. From the people I met along the way to all the accolades, I’m just so grateful for everything I got to experience.”
Nolan wasn’t just a coach, but someone who stood up for the sport and advocated across several committees. From serving on the National Federation of State High School Associations to the NJSIAA and New Jersey State Coaches Association, Nolan did everything possible to promote girls volleyball.
“She is quite possibly the most influential, or at the very least, one of the most influential people in New Jersey girls volleyball ever. I always knew her as an incredibly successful coach both at Secaucus and IHA,” Williamstown head coach and NJSIAA Hall of Famer Chris Sheppard said.
“But recently I’ve found out how instrumental and influential she was at NJSIAA over the past 40-plus years. Athletes and coaches who have no idea who Maria Nolan is, actually owe her a great debt of gratitude. She has been fighting for and paving the way for volleyball for decades.”
“Maria Nolan has been an amazing advocate for both the sport of volleyball in New Jersey and for the athletes as well. I will forever be indebted to how Maria took me under her wing and helped guide me through my coaching career,” Westfield girls volleyball head coach Beverly Torok said, who was tabbed the NJ.com Coach of the Year this past season.
“She advocated for improvements and change to better the game. I have modeled my style after watching Maria keep her cool on the sidelines. It was impressive and classy. She’s done it all and I’m proud to call her my friend.”
Nolan owns a bevy of records, including most consecutive state championships at 13, most TOC titles at 10 and most consecutive TOC appearances at nine. She is a two-time NJ.com Volleyball Coach of the Year in 1998 and 2009, coaching dozens of stars en route to All-State honors.
Nolan is an NJSIAA Hall of Famer, being inducted in 2003.
She ended her career on a great note, leading IHA to the Non-Public A title, Bergen County championship and a 29-1 record as the NJ.com Team of the Year.
“I knew during the season it would be my last, but I didn’t want to add any more pressure. I’m so happy with how the season panned out and I’m proud of every player I had the pleasure of coaching,” Nolan said.
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PJ Potter may be reached at PPotter@njadvancemedia.com.
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