“No, really, who is this?” 

Ms. Jean Kesterson repeated herself three times as she received a very special call in early December. Kesterson, former volleyball coach of 27 Irish seasons, took a call from Ms. Kathy DeBoer, the executive director of the American Volleyball Coaches Association, announcing Kesterson’s induction into their Hall of Fame in Minneapolis.

Kesterson is one of only five high school coaches inducted into the AVCA Hall of Fame in the 16-year history of the organization. Kesterson said she was “stunned, but nonetheless honored” when DeBeor called. 

Kesterson‘s phone call with DeBoer afforded her the chance to hear the good news from a volleyball legend. DeBoer has received National Coach of the Year honors at the University of Kentucky and served as an assistant coach to the U.S. Olympic volleyball team in 1987.

Ms. Rhonda Low, the men’s head volleyball coach, as well as three of Kesterson’s nine siblings, two of their spouses and new head women’s coach, school counselor Mrs. Mary Ording Hemer ’09, joined her at the reception. 

Low has won nine team State championships of her own. 

Kesterson said her favorite part of the ceremony was “being surrounded by the ones she loved.

“I am grateful for all the people in my life: my family, my friends, my colleagues, the women I’ve played with and against, and of course, the girls I’ve coached over the years.”

She continued that volleyball’s best component involves interacting with her players as adults.  “Seeing them grow and develop is such a gift, seeing them overcome struggles and beginning to believe in themselves,” she said. 

She credits her father, “her hero,” for instilling her love of the game and her coaching genes. Mr. John Kesterson left a legacy of 40 years. 

She said the best memories have no trophy at all. But she still has plenty. 

Kesterson tallies eight State championships and a National championship after an undefeated season in 2015, which was capped off by a win over Crown Point in the Class 4A championship match, which was played at Ball State’s Worthen Arena. 

Kesterson has coached 17 all-Americans and four Indiana Gatorade Players of the Year. Nia Robinson, who was the Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year during Kesterson’s final season, currently plays at Northwestern. Robinson played in all 32 matches her freshman year and was named to the Big 10 all-freshman team.

Robinson wrote in a text, “Coach K has done so much (for me).” She continued that her legacy extends beyond the court. “She is one of the most inspiring and powerful women I know and she has set a great example for me.

“She has changed my life forever. She taught me so much more than volleyball. She taught me to be confident, she taught me to problem solve, she taught me to be a leader, and she taught me the importance of being a team.

“She established a program more than her championships. She’s built a team legacy that has become a family. My Cathedral teammates became my sisters. I still talk to them on a regular basis and always go to them when I’m struggling. Coach K built that.”

Robinson concluded with a no more fitting statement: “Coach K is a champion and has fostered an environment of champions to come.”