Susan Shifflett: A Timeless Legacy of a Volleyball Coach

Her Timeless Journey

The story of Susan Shifflett, a coach turned icon at Langley High School in McLean, Virginia, is a tale of passion, dedication, and vision. Over nearly 25 years of involvement with the volleyball program, she has not only built a formidable team but also left an indelible legacy in the hearts of the community and generations of students.

A Passionate Beginning

More than two decades ago, Shifflett stumbled into volleyball coaching by chance. When a group of Langley High School students discovered she had played volleyball in college, they convinced her to help them establish a team.
In 1998, without hesitation, Shifflett took on the challenge and launched the volleyball program at Langley. At that time, the program was in its infancy, lacking pressure and resources, but Shifflett saw it as an opportunity to bring new value to the school and the community.

Unwavering Success and Lasting Legacy

From its humble beginnings, Langley’s volleyball program flourished under Shifflett’s leadership. Today, she has achieved over 500 career wins and led the team to numerous state championships, including two consecutive recent titles.
Amber Smith, a senior, reflected:
“Langley High School’s legacy of winning isn’t just about the school—it’s about Coach Shifflett, who built it.”
Smith and her teammates credit Shifflett’s passionate coaching style and exceptional leadership for elevating the team to new heights.

Coaching Style: Discipline and Dedication

Shifflett is renowned for her intense but fair coaching style. When players make mistakes, she gently points them out to help them learn and improve. Off the court, she dedicates time to enhancing students’ physical fitness and boosting their morale.
Discipline in practice:
The team maintains high focus during each two-hour practice session, sometimes held twice daily. Before the season begins, physical training sessions are prioritized to ensure the best preparation.
Close connections with students:
Despite her strictness, Shifflett is beloved by her students. Off the court, she shares personal stories, such as those about her grandchildren, fostering a warm bond with the players.

Building Team Cohesion

One of the biggest challenges this season was losing four key players to graduation. To overcome this, Shifflett encouraged team bonding activities such as overnight stays and shared meals.
This strong camaraderie helped the team conquer obstacles and secure another state championship—the fourth for Langley since 2013.

Preserving a Timeless Legacy

Ana Toumazatos, a senior and future James Madison University player, shared:
“Shifflett is incredibly hardworking and serious. I hope to continue her legacy.”
Even in retirement, Shifflett continues to coach. For her, working alongside enthusiastic and talented students remains the greatest reason to stay committed.

Inspiration for Future Generations

For Susan Shifflett, winning is not the sole goal. She aims to create an environment where students can grow holistically—physically and mentally.
Smith, a veteran team member, affirmed:
“Langley has a legacy, and we want to keep it alive.”
Shifflett is more than a coach; she is a symbol of passion, creativity, and long-term commitment—a role model for anyone striving to leave a meaningful mark in their field.

The Legacy of a Leader

Susan Shifflett has shown that with dedication and a love for the sport, a coach can do more than lead a team to victory—they can create a lasting legacy. This legacy lives not only on the court but also in the hearts of countless generations of Langley High School students.
Her story is a testament to how a simple beginning can lead to monumental change and inspire a community for years to come.