Photo by Brian Hoffman
After a dozen years as head coach, including three state championships, Julie Conner is stepping down as Lord Botetourt volleyball coach to spend more time with the family. Conner announced her decision last week.
“This was a difficult decision and it did take time to reach it,” she said. “Coaching volleyball has been a big part of my life for a long time, but coaching a varsity sport requires a great deal of time and energy, both in and out of season. I felt that it was best for my family right now to step away.”
Julie was an assistant coach for two seasons, 2010 and ’11, before becoming head coach in 2012. In the following 12 years her teams won 258 matches and lost only 53. The Cavaliers were Blue Ridge District regular season champions eight times, BRD tournament champs seven times, region champs three times and state champions three times in 2017, ’18 and ’19.
During the three championships years LB lost just once and was undefeated in 2017 and ’19. The Cavaliers had a school record 56 match winning streak that stretched over the 2018 and ’19 seasons.
“There have been many great memories over the years, and there’s always something that makes each team special,” said Conner.
Julie’s husband, Chad Conner, was the head basketball coach at LB but he stepped down in 2019 to help Julie with their growing family. Chad has since returned to the bench as an LB girls assistant and will continue in that role. Julie will continue to teach business and marketing classes at Lord Botetourt High School, and has not ruled out the idea of coaching again when the kids get older. The Conners have two children, a boy and a girl ages 4 and 6, who were born while mom and dad were coaching high school sports.
“I am not closing the door on coaching,” said Julie. “I love the game and I enjoy coaching, so if there’s an opportunity and the timing is right then I’m sure it’s something I would consider. If my daughter, Jordan, plays I think it would be neat to coach her one day.”
Conner is a “volleyball lifer.” Her sister, Sherry Millirons, is the head coach at perennial state Class 1 contender Auburn, and several years Auburn and LB played each other and that was a highlight of the season for both.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the volleyball program for the past 12 seasons,” said Julie.
