Carol Russo

Induction Year : 2022

Sport: Volleyball

Thanks to Carol Russo’s passion, dedication and commitment, volleyball was Elyria High School’s most consistently successful sport over a two-decade period. It was her coaching and organizational prowess that boosted the Pioneers among the state’s most elite and respected programs. In 1996, the Pioneers posted a 28-1 record and became the first Elyria volleyball team to win a state semi-final game and play for the state championship. It was Russo’s third team to reach the state tournament. In addition to the state tournament runs, Russo’s teams won the district championships 14 times, and 18 conference titles across four leagues (Buckeye, Erie Shore, Lake Erie, and Pioneer).

In 27 years as a head volleyball coach, beginning her career at Mayfield and ending at Elyria Catholic, Russo posted a career record of 575-126. She won 20 or more games 20 times during her career. She was inducted into the Volleyball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Elyria Sports Hall of Fame in 1999, and was selected to the prestigious AVCA (American Volleyball Coaches Association) Hall of Fame in 2012. Russo played volleyball for her mother, Sue, at Oberlin High School as well at The Ohio State University. Carol and her mother, Sue, were the first mother-daughter combination to coach teams in the Ohio state tournament.

Douglas Beal

Induction Year : 1980

Sport: Volleyball

United States Men’s National Volleyball Coach since 1977 and a national team player from 1970 through 1976, playing in two Olympic qualifcation tournaments (1972 and 1976). Played for the U.S. team in 1970 and 1974 World Championships and for the U.S. Pan-American Games team in 1975. Was a USVBA Collegiate All-American and team captain at Ohio State University in 1969 when he was also named Midwest Collegiate Player of the Year. Was a USVBA Open All-American from 1972 through 1975 and USVBA Player of the Year in 1975, Midwest Collegiate Coach of the Year in 1972 and 1973 at Ohio State.