Title IX at 50: Bedford Volleyball Pioneer Continues Blazing Record-Setting Trail

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

October 12, 2021

The national high school record book’s lists for most girls volleyball coaching wins – both among those still active and all-time – is filled with Michigan legendary leaders.

Temperance Bedford’s Jodi Manore tops both of those illustrious rosters. And it’s not even close.

Manore entered this season with a 2,128-369-59 coaching record at the high school level, from two stints at Bedford – beginning with the winter season of 1979-80 through 1983, and continuing with her return to her alma mater during the winter season of 1989-90 through today.

At the start and in between, Manore also served as the University of Toledo’s first women’s coach preceding and during her first tenure with Bedford, and then until returning to the Kicking Mules for her current run. Along the way, she’s led them to Class A championships in 1998, 2001 and 2005, five more Finals runner-up finishes and a total of 24 trips to the Semifinals.

Manore’s 2,128 wins were 363 more than the total of the next closest active coach after last season and 296 more than former Portage Northern and Delton Kellogg coach Jack Magelssen – the previous MHSAA and national record holder.  

Manore was inducted into the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Hall of Fame in 2019 and the National High School Athletic Coaches Association (NHSACA) Hall of Fame this summer. (Click for an indepth 2015 Second Half feature.)

Second Half's weekly Title IX Celebration posts are sponsored by Michigan Army National Guard.

Previous Title IX at 50 Spotlights

Oct. 5: Warner Paved Way to Legend Status with Record Rounds - Read
Sept. 28: Taylor Kennedy Gymnasts Earn Fame as 1st Champions - Read
Sept. 21: 
Portage Northern Star Byington Becomes Play-by-Play Pioneer - Read
Sept. 14: 
Guerra/Groat Legacy Continues to Serve St. Philip Well - Read
Sept. 7: 
Best-Ever Conversation Must Include Leland's Glass - Read
Aug. 31: We Will Celebrate Many Who Paved the Way - Read

Highlight Reel: Class B Semifinals

November 21, 2014

The Lake Odessa Lakewood volleyball team defeated Battle Creek Harper Creek 3-1 in a Class B Semifinal on Thursday. North Branch followed with a 3-1 victory over Pontiac Notre Dame Prep. Click the headings below for highlights: 

LAKEWOOD WINS FIRST SET - Lake Odessa Lakewood captured the first set against Battle Creek Harper Creek on this big swing by Vanessa Reynhout.

TEACHING THEM A LESON - Harper Creek bounced back to win the second set against Lakewood. Here's one of two big points Olivia Leson connected on down the stretch. 

CARLSON BLASTS ONE FOR ND PREP - Katherine Carlson comes through for Notre Dame Prep on this play in the first set against North Branch. However, it was the Broncos who advanced.

WILLSON MOWS THEM DOWN - This big hit by Laura Willson of North Branch was a key play in the fourth and final set against Pontiac Notre Dame.

Watch the matches in full and order DVDs by Clicking Here for Lakewood/Harper Creek and Clicking Here for North Branch/Notre Dame Prep.