DENVER – The University of Denver volleyball program is saddened by the loss of former DU assistant and legendary Ohio State head coach Jim Stone, who passed away on Tuesday (March 10).

"Jim Stone was an incredibly kind man who genuinely loved the game and the people in it," fourth year head coach Megan Pendergast said. "Every time I had the chance to work with him, I walked away better for it. His influence on our sport and on those he coached will last far beyond the court. Our deepest condolences are with his family and everyone who loved him."

Stone spent the 2022 season with the Pioneers as an assistant coach under former DU head coach Tom Hogan. The Pioneers went 19-12 and 12-6 in the Summit League that season, reaching the Summit League Semifinal after a five-set win over South Dakota State.

As a player, Stone was an All-American at the 1974 NCAA Championships while playing for Ball State. Following his playing career, the man who grew up with a love for sports and education began his head coaching career at Wyoming before beginning his celebrated tenure at Ohio State from 1982 to 2007. In his 26 seasons in Columbus, Stone compiled a 531-294 record and a 297-177 mark in Big Ten play. Stone earned 15 NCAA Tournament appearances, three Big Ten Championships and a pair of national semifinal appearances. The Ohio State Athletic Hall of Famer coached 19 All-Americans and two National Players of the Year.

Following his time in Columbus, Stone went on to coach the USA Volleyball Girls Youth National Team for six FIVB World Championship events, winning the world title in 2019.

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