Larry Sparkman’s Coaching BIO

Mr. Sparkman began his volleyball coaching career in 1992 and has served as a Club Director and Coach over the last 32 years with several clubs including Big Bend Juniors, Tallahassee Sparks, Tallahassee Volleyball Association, North Florida Volleyball Academy, Tallahassee Juniors Volleyball Club, Tallahassee Volleyball Academy and most recently Prostyle Volleyball Academy.

Coach Sparkman has coached at the High School Level since 2003, holding head coaching positions at John Paul II Catholic HS (JPII) for six years and at the Florida State University High School (FSUS) for five years. During his 11 years as head coach his teams won 8 District Championships, 2 Region Championships, competed in the State Final Four playoffs twice and had one State Final Four Runner-up finish in 2009.

Coach Sparkman was also voted the All Big Bend Coach of the year in 2009 and was the AVCA Region 1 – 4a Coach of the Year in 2013.  His win/lost record included 99 wins and 65 loses at JPII and 107 wins and 41 loses at FSUS with a total win/lose record of 206 wins and 106 loses over an eleven-year period. 

In 2016, Coach Sparkman accepted the position as the JV Coach and Varsity assistant at Chiles High School. This move to a large 6A school was a huge jump in competitive level that continues to be a very rewarding and challenging experience.

Volleyball Playing Experience

Tallahassee Over 40 Masters Volleyball Team – 1996

Played the outside hitter position on the Tallahassee Men’s Volleyball Club team that represented Florida in the USAV Men’s over 40 National Tournament in Dallas, Texas.

Local Club and Recreation Teams –  1982 to 1990

Played outside and right-side hitter on several “A” level club and recreation teams, both indoor and outdoor.

Florida State University Men’s Volleyball Club – 1973 to 1982

Outside hitter and team representative for the FSU Men’s Club Volleyball Team.  Florida Region Runner-up in 1978.  Regional Referee with the USAV Florida Region.