ST. LOUIS – Former Saint Louis University volleyball coach Marilyn McReavy Nolen passed away Thursday, April 13. She was 78.
 
"It is hard to overstate the impact Marilyn Nolen had on the sport of volleyball specifically and on women's athletics in general," Saint Louis Director of Athletics Chris May said. "She helped pave the way for countless numbers of young women to enjoy a meaningful competitive experience and make their marks in athletics and beyond. We at Saint Louis University are proud to say that our institution benefited greatly from her leadership, passion and knowledge. We extend our sympathy to Marilyn's family, friends, colleagues, and others whose lives she touched."
 
Nolen led the Saint Louis program for 10 seasons (1994-2003), guiding the Billikens to a 190-140 record. Among the five SLU teams that collected 20 or more wins during her tenure was the 1995 squad that posted 29 victories, the second-highest total in program history. The 1995 Billikens finished first in the Blue Division of Conference USA and earned a berth in the National Invitational Volleyball Championship, where they won three of four matches and finished fifth. In 1998, Nolen was selected C-USA Coach of the Year.
 
Nolen retired from coaching following the 2003 season but returned for the 2013 season at Sul Ross State, where she began her career in 1969. She also led programs at New Mexico State, Utah State, Kentucky, Florida and North Florida. Nolen's 33-year career produced 809 victories, which rank 16th on the all-time NCAA Division I list. At the time of her 2003 retirement, she ranked third in wins among active Division I coaches.
 
A true pioneer in volleyball and in the advancement of women's athletics, Nolen played at the highest levels of the sport. She was a member of the U.S. national team that captured the gold medal at the 1967 Pan American Games and competed in the 1968 Summer Olympics. Nolen continued to represent her country in international play through 1975.
 
Just weeks following her 2003 retirement, Nolen was recognized for her accomplishments with induction into the American Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame as a member of the inaugural class. She also was a member of the Women's Sports Foundation Hall of Fame.
 
Nolen was named a Title IX Trailblazer by the Atlantic 10 Conference as part of the league's celebration of the 50th anniversary of the passing of the landmark law. She and 15 other women were spotlighted at the 2023 Atlantic 10 Conference Women's Basketball Championship for their roles in creating and protecting opportunities for girls and women in sport and intercollegiate athletics throughout their careers.