Linda Oxby, one of the winningest coaches in IHSA girls volleyball history, passed away on September 29, 2017 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Oxby started her coaching career at Coal City High School, where she posted a record of 90-39 in five seasons, including a third-place finish in Class A in 1983.

She then moved on to Edwards County in 1984, and took over the head coaching position in 1990. Over 19 seasons at the school, she compiled a record of 543-141, bringing her career total to 633-180 in 24 years. Oxby led Edwards County to state four times in her career, including a quarterfinal appearance in 1999 and a third-place finish in 2007. Despite being diagnosed with cancer in 2011, her career culminated with a back-to-back state final trips in 2012 and 2013, as the Lions placed fourth and second, respectively, in Class 2A.

Edwards County High School’s gymnasium is named in her honor.

For more on her amazing career, and courageous battle, read the Navigator Journal story from 2011 by clicking here.