Utah State University Athletics

1978 National Championship Volleyball Team

It was a dream season for the Utah State volleyball team in 1978. Coached by Marilyn (McReavy) Nolen and Mary Jo Peppler, the 1978 Aggies became the first team in Utah State history to capture a National Championship by defeating UCLA in four games in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Led by All-American's Annette Cottle, Sandy Lynn and Lucia Chudy, Utah State notched a 42-4-2 record during the season, including 26 straight wins to start the year. USU then concluded its season with 12 straight wins, including its victory in the AIAW (Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women) championship match against the Bruins. Along with All-America honors, Cottle received the Broderick Award as the nation's top player, while Lynn was named to the AIAW all-tournament team. Other members of the 1978 National Championship team included Gayle Adamowitz, Jan Corley, Katrinka Crawford, Drora Epstein, Jill Hirschinger, Dea Kidd, Sheryl Meyer, and Jo Vrazel.