Wagner Inducted to YMCA Volleyball Hall of Fame

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 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.