Head Volleyball Coach Laurie Corcoran Retires After 31 Years

After more than three decades of unparalleled success, dedicated mentorship, and unwavering commitment to student-athletes, Allentown Central Catholic High School announces the retirement of Head Volleyball Coach Laurie Corcoran, concluding an extraordinary 31-year tenure that helped define one of Pennsylvania's premier high school volleyball programs.

Since taking the helm in 1994, Coach Corcoran built a tradition of excellence that extended far beyond the volleyball court. Under her leadership, the Vikettes compiled an impressive 563-144 overall record and 408-99 conference record, captured four PIAA State Championships, earned five PIAA State Runner-Up finishes, won 15 District XI Championships, and secured 10 EPC/LVC Championships.

Reflecting on her career, Coach Corcoran emphasized the relationships and values that have been at the heart of her coaching philosophy.

"Coaching for me has never been about the wins and losses. It has been about building relationships, helping our young student-athletes grow, and creating a program founded on a commitment to tradition, faith, excellence, respect, hard work and pride," said Corcoran. "I have been incredibly fortunate to coach so many outstanding student-athletes and work alongside dedicated assistant coaches, supportive parents, administrators, and an amazing Viking community. Each has played a role in making these past 31-plus years more rewarding than I could ever imagine."

Throughout her distinguished career, Coach Corcoran garnered numerous individual accolades, including Morning Call/LVL Coach of the Year, induction into the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and induction into the Rockne Hall of Fame.

"Allentown Central Catholic is deeply grateful for the legacy Coach Corcoran has built," said school leadership. "Her influence extends far beyond championships and victories. She has shaped generations of young women, instilling confidence, discipline, faith, and character while creating a culture that will continue to inspire future Vikings."

A New Chapter for Vikette Volleyball

As Coach Corcoran steps away from the program she built, Allentown Central Catholic is proud to announce that Kathleen Corcoran, a distinguished Vikette alumna and current assistant varsity coach, will assume the role of Head Volleyball Coach.

A member of the Class of 2006, Kathleen Corcoran is one of the most accomplished athletes in program history. During her playing career at ACCHS, she earned four varsity letters, won four Lehigh Valley Conference Championships and four District XI Championships, was a two-time PIAA State Runner-Up, and was named a three-time PIAA First Team All-State selection.

Her individual honors include:

• Two-time District XI MVP

• Two-time Lehigh Valley Conference MVP

• Two-time Morning Call All-Area Player of the Year

• Four-year varsity standout and multiple First Team All-Star selections

• Full athletic scholarship recipient to George Mason University

• 2019 Rockne Hall of Fame inductee

Following her collegiate career, Kathleen earned both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Speech-Language Hearing Science from Temple University. She currently works as an outpatient pediatric speech-language pathologist and has served as Assistant Varsity Volleyball Coach at Allentown Central Catholic since 2020.

"I have been a regular in Rockne Hall since I was 3 years old, watching my mother build this program, playing as a Vikette, and most recently coaching alongside her," said Kathleen Corcoran. "This program and this school have been a huge blessing in our lives. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to continue my mother's legacy here at Allentown Central Catholic as Head Volleyball Coach."

With a deep understanding of the program's traditions and values, Kathleen Corcoran is poised to lead the Vikettes into an exciting new chapter while honoring the foundation established by her mother.

As the program looks toward the future, the Allentown Central Catholic community celebrates the remarkable legacy of Coach Laurie Corcoran and expresses its gratitude for three decades of leadership, dedication, and excellence that have left a lasting impact on countless student-athletes and families.