MUNCIE, Ind. — For the Angola girls’ volleyball team, their historic season ended in a hard-fought 3-0 loss to Roncalli in the Class 3A state championship match. Despite the defeat, the journey was nothing short of memorable, with the Harris family playing a key role in shaping the team’s incredible run to the state finals. For coach Brian Harris and his family, the experience was filled with moments that will be cherished forever, regardless of the outcome on the court.
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“This one match doesn’t define us,” said Brian Harris, the team’s first-year head coach, following the loss. “It doesn’t define our season. We had an unforgettable ride, and that’s something special.”
The Harris family was at the heart of Angola’s unprecedented journey. Not only was Brian the head coach, but his wife, Lisa, served as the assistant coach, and their two daughters, senior Ava and junior Maya, were integral parts of the team. Even their aunt, Rachel Chard, was part of the coaching staff. It was a family affair like no other, making the experience all the more meaningful for everyone involved.
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A Legacy Built on Family
From the very beginning, the Harris family had been a cornerstone of Angola volleyball, with Brian and Lisa coaching their daughters from the time they were toddlers. As the girls grew, so did their passion for the sport, nurtured by parents who not only coached them but also imparted life lessons along the way.
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“We’ve coached them since they were walking and running around,” Lisa recalled with a smile. “I think it was just exciting to have us all in the gym together, and to see the team, and our family, grow.”
For Ava, having her parents and sister on the sideline gave the team a unique advantage. “They’re such good coaches, and not just for me, but for everyone on the team,” Ava said. “I knew that this year was going to be a good one because of the bond we share.”
Maya echoed her sister’s sentiment, noting how the family connection enhanced the experience. “That bond that we have makes volleyball a lot easier and easier to understand,” she said. The sense of unity extended beyond the family unit, as the team quickly became a close-knit group. “Even though my actual family members are a part of this team, the whole team has grown to be one big family,” Ava added.
A Historic Moment at Worthen Arena
For Brian, Lisa, Ava, and Maya, the state finals at Ball State’s Worthen Arena were the culmination of years of hard work, both as a family and a team. The atmosphere in the arena was electric as Angola made its first-ever appearance in the state finals. For the Harris family, however, it wasn’t just about the volleyball — it was about the shared experience of being together as a family, witnessing the growth of not only their daughters but also the entire team.
“It was a great experience,” Maya said, reflecting on the season. “I couldn’t ask for anything else.” For Ava, the experience was bittersweet but filled with pride. “It’s going to be so great to know that they were there with me the whole way, and we all had this accomplishment together,” she said.
While the championship loss stung, it was overshadowed by the unforgettable memories they created along the way. For Lisa, being a part of the journey with her family was everything. “Just the opportunity to be here, and to have this kind of team around us, and be with our kids, it’s been amazing,” she shared.
A Future Built on Family and Volleyball
As the Harris family reflects on their historic season, there is no doubt that their journey will inspire future generations of Angola volleyball players. The family will continue to be a driving force, as Brian, Lisa, and Maya look ahead to next fall, where they hope to make another run at the state championship. Meanwhile, Ava is set to start a new chapter in her volleyball career, playing for Villanova University.
“For us to have that type of experience with that many family members, and to go all the way to state, was very special,” Brian said, his voice filled with pride. As the Harris family moves forward, the lessons learned on and off the court will remain with them, shaping not only their future but the future of Angola volleyball.
In the end, the defeat on the court was just a small part of a much larger story — a story about family, unity, and the power of sports to bring people together. The Harris family’s legacy in Angola volleyball is far from over, and their journey will continue to inspire athletes, coaches, and families for years to come.
