John Curtis volleyball coach Juli Hartley retires after 36 seasons

RELEASE: JOHN CURTIS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

After a combined 36 successful years of coaching, Juli Hartley has decided to retire as John Curtis Christian head volleyball coach.

Hartley spoke with her team earlier this week, ending a coaching career that featured more than 400 career wins. Hartley took over the volleyball program in 2016 and has complied over 150 wins. Under her helm, the Lady Patriots have made numerous trips to the state tournament, which includes a 2021 semifinal appearance.

“It’s time. it’s just time to step back.” Hartley said. “The speed of the game is changing and our girls are ready to change with it. There is no doubt. I’m going to miss my team. We are a K-12 school. We get to interact with these students when they are young. I’m going to miss that part, my family.”

Hartley concluded her coaching career with another successful season. The Lady Patriots finished 31-9, capturing the district championship and a quarterfinal appearance.

Hartley will continue at JCCS in a full-time capacity. This year she completed her 18th year at Curtis as a history teacher.

“I want to thank Juli for her years of service to our Lady Patriots. Her leadership and her Christian character will be greatly missed. We are thankful that she will continue her role as a social studies teacher and continue to be a positive influence on our student body,” said Head of School, J.T. Curtis.

In her 36 seasons of coaching, Hartley had winning seasons at Curtis, Academy of Sacred Heart, Archbishop Hannan and First Assembly Academy. One of the most successful local coaches in the history of the sport, Hartley won four straight state championships at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans from 1994 to 1997. She also started the girls athletic programs at Hannan in 1989.

Thank you Coach Juli for all your hard work!