Former Great Lakes
Region Commissioner Lea Wagner (1979 to 1982 and 1984 to 2008) was inducted to the YMCA Volleyball Hall of Fame
Class of 2012.
Wagner began her
volleyball career at the Lincoln-Belmont YMCA where she played for the Chicago Women’s
Volleyball Club. Wagner would work for the YMCA later in life.
During her time with
the Chicago Women’s Volleyball Club, Wagner played with Ed Lauten, who is
credited with being the originator of the modern scorekeeping system in the
United States.
Wagner was a member of the Host Committee preparing for the 1959 Pan-American Games. Her connection with Lauten allowed her to become one of the first scorekeepers to use the Lauten scorekeeping system at the Pan-American Games.
Wagner became a certified Regional Scorekeeper and Regional Referee in the mid-60s. She participated in her first USA Volleyball Nationals in Des Moines Iowa.
Wagner was a National Scorekeeper, and in 1973, became one of the first females to become a National Referee.
Wagner was a member of the Host Committee preparing for the 1959 Pan-American Games. Her connection with Lauten allowed her to become one of the first scorekeepers to use the Lauten scorekeeping system at the Pan-American Games.
Wagner became a certified Regional Scorekeeper and Regional Referee in the mid-60s. She participated in her first USA Volleyball Nationals in Des Moines Iowa.
Wagner was a National Scorekeeper, and in 1973, became one of the first females to become a National Referee.
Wagner achieved
International Scorekeeper status in 1982 and was assigned as a scorekeeper at
the NORCECA Zone Championships, Pre-World University Games, FIVB Junior Men’s
Championships, Pre-Olympics and Olympics.
Over the years, Wagner
has collected numerous awards and accolades for her performance as a referee, scorekeeper
and leader in the volleyball community.
In 1975, Wagner received
the George J. Fisher Leader in Volleyball Award.
In 1981 she was honored
with the Golden Whistle Award and 1982 earned her the Edward P. Lauten
Scorekeeping Service Award.
In 1988, Wagner was
awarded the Neville A. Booth Commissioner’s Award and the Glen G. Davies Referee
Service Award.
Wagner received the
Nancy S. Sharpless Scorekeeper Emeritus Award in 2004 as well as the Wilbur H.
Peck Referee Emeritus Award.
In 1993, Wagner earned
the Harold T. Friermood “Frier” Award, the highest honor bequeathed by USA
Volleyball.
Wagner has conducted
clinics, symposiums and demonstrations for all levels and phases
of volleyball. Her volunteer services included YMCAs, parks, churches,
schools and clubs.
Wagner is currently a
member of the Palatine YMCA and continues to participate in volunteer
work for with the YMCA.
