After 35 years as Demarest volleyball’s head varsity coach, Powell announced she is stepping down and passing down her position to a new volleyball coach. Powell began her coaching career at Demarest in 1989, but coached other teams on the West coast prior. At NVD, She now has 717 wins, 12 New Jersey Group 2 state titles, and 9 Bergen County Tournament Championships. 

“It feels right and a good time for a new young coach to step in,” Powell said.

The girls JV coach, Coach Kontogianni, has worked alongside Powell for the past 6 years. She is also a Demarest math teacher and the assistant NVD softball coach.

“Although she will be missed, I am very happy that she is taking the time for herself to enjoy this next exciting chapter of her life,” Coach K said. 

Before her career, Powell grew up playing volleyball in California and ended up going to play Division I volleyball at University of San Diego and later University of San Francisco. Her daughter followed in her footsteps, playing volleyball at USD as well. 

She closed her varsity coaching career after adding another major title to her team’s winnings. The team won ​​NJSIAA Group 2 final in November 2023, after winning the Clarkstown South Tournament, League championship, and state sectional championship.

The program is sad to see the coach leave, but grateful for her leadership, devotion, commitment, and all her volleyball and life lessons. 

Coach K says, because of Beth, “I learned more about teamwork, commitment, mental toughness, goal setting, and overcoming adversity, and I wasn’t even playing!”.

With the help of what Powell has done for her teams, the program is known for their long-standing traditions and rituals, along with outstanding work ethic, bringing them success in their seasons.

“One thing that I admired the most was the culture that Coach Powell built there,” Coach K said. 

Looking back at her career, there are a few moments that stand out. Her first year coaching their record was 0-18 and ended up winning their last game. Her first state championship win in 1996. The team’s 89 game winning streak from 2000-2003.

“This last season was incredible and ended in the best way I could have imagined- beating our rivals, winning big games and winning our last game,” Powell said. 

This program has built itself from the ground up, thanks to Powell. Over the years the success in evolution for the program comes from the team having, “learned the game, developed a good work ethic and believed in themselves,” Powell said. 

Powell has dedicated year-round time and energy she put into her teams and programs over the years. She also coaches the Summer league team and runs volleyball clinics in the off season. 

“I  am sad that my time coaching here is ending. I have loved the journey and I love coaching volleyball at Demarest.  I cannot believe I won’t be here next fall,” Powell said. 

Powell has built the foundation for this program, and hopefully the new coach to step in will push the program forward, picking up where Powell has left off of this journey.

“Beth Powell IS Demarest Volleyball and whenever she steps foot in the gym we’ll be waiting with open arms!” said Coach K.