Debbie Green Leaves The Beach
1/23/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Jan. 23, 2009
Long Beach, Calif. - Assistant Women's Volleyball coach Debbie Green concludes a 23-year career at Long Beach State Friday, one that has seen 49er Volleyball rise to the national elite.
Considered one of the greatest setters of all-time, Green was a two-time All-American at USC, leading the Trojans to two National Championships, was a member of the 1980 Olympic team that boycotted the 1980 Games, and then led Team USA to a Silver Medal in 1984.
Joining head coach Brian Gimmillaro after his first season in 1985, the pair would combine their efforts to bring Long Beach State volleyball to the highest level, reaching 22 consecutive NCAA Tournaments, reaching eight Final Fours and winning three national championships.
Working with the team's setters, Green helped to groom some of the best the game, coaching six All-American setters, including two-time NCAA Player of the Year Misty May. In 1998, with May setting, the 49ers became the first team in women's volleyball history to go undefeated, posting a 36-0 record on the way to the NCAA title.
In the past four years, she has worked with her daughter, Nicole Vargas, who has been the starting setter for that entire time. Vargas was a three-time All-Big West selection and as a senior helped lead Long Beach State to its ninth Big West Championship as well as earning All-Region honors.
