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 33 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 coached at the High School Level 22 years from 2003 to 2025, 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. 

Coach Sparkman also coached at Chiles High School for 10 years from 2016 to 2025, as the JV and Varsity assistant. During that time Chiles HS won 3 Region Championships and two 5A State Championships.

Volleyball Playing Experience

USAV 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.

USAV Club and City League Teams –  1982 to 1990

Played outside and right-side hitter on several USAV club and City League 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.