It started simply enough, and there was certainly no indication of how big it would get. One coach, teaching a group of enthusiastic student-athletes. But in the hands of a persuasive coach, the circle would keep getting bigger. And that's exactly the way it has progressed for the family of Juniata volleyball coaches.

For 28 seasons Larry Bock has been teaching, instructing, and passing on his love of volleyball to his players. And for almost that entire period, Bock's players have left Juniata and continued to spread his passion for the game-a hallmark of volleyball on College Hill.

The list of former players, and former Juniata assistant coaches who have entered the coaching ranks at either the college or high school level is lengthy and prestigious. For Bock, it's been a proud part of his coaching legacy-to see his former players move on and join the coaching ranks themselves.

As many as 20 of Bock's former players or assistant coaches have coached at either the collegiate, club, or high school level. The numbers grow and change with each season, but what remains constant is that Juniata volleyball has fostered a love of the game that stays with people long after leaving Juniata.

For Bock's protégés, including current Penn State men's volleyball coach Mark Pavlik, the lessons the head coach has passed on have helped shape the way they work on the bench.

“Larry has taught me to be patient as a coach. Oftentimes coaches might make rash decisions but he really taught me to be a little more low-key. And watching Larry you realize that the harder you work, the more success you'll have.”

Kristi Conover '02 who played and was a student assistant at Juniata, has gone on to coach at the collegiate and club level. She sees the benefit of Bock's patience and ability to not overreact to a situation.

“You learn from Larry that screaming at players doesn't really accomplish anything,” she explains. “It's much more effective to pull them aside and point out what they're doing wrong and how to fix it. I've also learned how to be humble and to give credit where credit is due, which is something Larry excels at.”

“Larry has a way of staying calm on the bench during matches that makes his players feel like he has confidence in them regardless of the score,” adds current York College (Pa.) head coach Sue DuMars '89, who also competed for Juniata.

“Larry is a teacher by nature,” current Juniata associate head coach Heather Pavlik '95 says. “He's not a screamer or a yeller and he's not in this for any personal glory. He's about helping the team get better.”

That commitment to the team, might be the biggest explanation for why so many Juniata volleyball athletes feel the need to stay involved with the sport. His former players and colleagues have a strong appreciation for the unique opportunity passed on to them by being a part of Juniata volleyball.

“Many of Larry's former players decide to coach, because his dedication and hard work somehow changed their lives and in return, they want to try and help others have a great experience too,” former Juniata All-American and current coach at California University of Pennsylvania Melissa Myers '99 says. “I know my life changed drastically because of my experiences at Juniata, especially playing volleyball. I felt it was natural to take the next step to coach and help others to have a similar great experience.”

“As a player, you feel so indebted to Larry that you want to do something with what he gave you,” Heather Pavlik states. “And you also know that he does things the right way, so as more players and coaches go through the program they learn the right way and continue to pass that on.”

Former player and current assistant coach at Shippensburg University Kristin Hershey '00 adds, “It almost feels like a duty. It would seem unfair to have learned and experienced so much and not try to pass that along to someone else.”

And yet maybe the story of the Juniata volleyball family is even easier to decipher. Bock cares a great deal for his players, and wants to see them succeed in whatever they do. That caring has led to his players wanting to pass that strong feeling on to others.

“Having so many people go on to coach is an exciting experience for me,” Bock said. “To know that they enjoyed volleyball here enough to want to stay involved with it is a great feeling. I try to help them any way that I can and keep track of how they are doing.”

So for all of his records and accomplishments, Larry Bock's legacy will continue to carry on long after he hangs up his clipboard.

“A lot of players might go to college and end up hating volleyball because their coach makes it a job for them,” Hershey explains. “Larry somehow found a way to keep pushing us ahead competitively but it never stopped being fun. We never lost the love for the game, and I think that's what makes him a great coach.”