We live in an era where collegiate volleyball has taken over the volleyball realm to the craziest possible level. Even after a season concludes, the craze continues over the transfers and recruits. However, this was not the case in the 1970s. Volleyball used to be a club sport only in the Happy Valley of Pennsylvania. It was then that a man in his thirties arrived on the scene.

With his pivotal endeavor, by 1977, volleyball made an ascent to the university sporting realm. At that very dawn of collegiate volleyball, that man, George Thomas ‘Tom’ Tait, took the reins of both women’s and men’s volleyball teams at Penn State. Rightfully dubbed as the ‘Father of the Penn State Volleyball Programs’, the legend recently left for his heavenly abode amid a winning phase of collegiate volleyball.

Penn State’s paternal figure who uplifted the status of volleyball

On January 14, the Twitter page of Penn State Women’s Volleyball shared the news of Tom Tait’s demise with the caption, “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Tom Tait, who touched the lives of so many here as a coach, mentor and professor.” It further mentions, “In those roles, he was part of the Penn State community spanning 4 decades, including the first varsity head coach of both men’s and women’s volleyball.” The statement could not have been more apt, given Tait’s contribution to both programs.

Tom Tait was at the helm of affairs of both volleyball programs from 1976 to 78. The women’s squad registered a 51-43-4 record under him. In 1979, Tait shifted his focus exclusively to the men’s team. But even before leaving, Tait again left his mark on the women’s team. He handed over the responsibilities of the women’s team to Ruth Rose. Rose turned out to be another legend for the program, leading it for more than four decades, securing seven NCAA national championships, which is the second-most of any program. Meanwhile, Tait continued his golden run with the men’s side.

Tait performed his coaching duties for the men’s team till 1989. Penn State won four national championships under his guidance. In another indelible mark on the program, Tait has coached 20 All-Americans during his tenure. An obvious consequence of the achievements gave way to honors and accolades for the paternal figure of volleyball.

Tom Tait was conferred the honor of Eastern Collegiate Coach of the Year five times. He also earned the Coach Emeritus status from the EIVA in 1990. He was inducted into the AVCA Hall of Fame in 2003. As a vote of acknowledgment, USA Volleyball recognized him with the All-Time Great Coach Award in 2007. Attesting his contribution, Ruth Rose said on that occasion, “He is a great leader in both of those areas and this award is a reflection of the impact he has made within the game. We wouldn’t be where we are today without him.” The towering contributions brought more accolades on the way.

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In 2012, he was inducted into EIVA’s inaugural Hall of Fame class in 2012. During that time, Frank Guadagnino, who played for Tait from 1975 to 1978, gave a glimpse of what made Tait a dazzling success. He told, “The influence that he had on me was in understanding that when you do something, you need to do it 110 percent. That’s how I would describe him. Everything he has done in his life, he has done with great passion.” Interestingly, this passion showed its color beyond the volleyball realm as well.

The legacy that transcended the volleyball arena

Tait etched his name as a revered academician. He obtained his doctoral degree from Penn State in the year 1969 in kinesiology and exercise science. He served as the university’s faculty member from 1969 to 1996 in the capacity of an Associate Professor & Head of the Undergraduate Program in Exercise Science. In 1996, he joined Brevard College as a full-time professor and head of Exercise Science.

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During his tenure in the college till 2006, Tait served as the Otilly Welge Seese Distinguished Service Professor of Exercise Science and Coaching. Also, he was the chair of the Division of Exercise Science and Wilderness Leadership. With his contributions, Tom Tait attained the status of a visionary, who transcends the role of a coach to rise to the ranks of a legend.

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