Several hundred people gathered at Bender Arena at American University Saturday to honor the life of Barry Goldberg, longtime AU women’s volleyball coach, who died last month from stomach cancer at the age of 61.
The service included a video tribute and comments from family members, a former player, fellow coaches and the school president. The service concluded with a prayer led by Goldberg’s son Mitch alongside several other family members.
Beautiful tribute for beloved longtime AU women’s volleyball coach Barry Goldberg. Friends, family, players, school officials and supporters honored Goldberg, who died last month, at a Sunday afternoon ceremony at Bender Arena. @AUeagles @AU_Volleyball pic.twitter.com/tES6JpQKIY
— Joe Yasharoff (@JYash) April 30, 2023
In 34 seasons at American, Goldberg won over 800 games, 19 conference championships, went to 18 NCAA tournaments including the Sweet 16 in 2013 and was named league coach of the year 10 times. He coached last year despite prognosis from doctors that he only had a year to live.
American University announced they would name the court in the planned new volleyball arena after Goldberg.
Goldberg and his family lived in Montgomery County for over 30 years. He is survived by his wife Bonnie, three children, five grandchildren, one brother and one sister.
You can watch the entire ceremony here: https://www.goldbergs.info/
(Featured photo of current and former AU volleyball players with Barry Goldberg’s wife Bonnie)
