Barbara Comeaux is officially a Hall of Famer.
Comeaux was inducted into the Texas Girls Coaches Association Hall of Fame Thursday in Arlington.
“What a great day for Coach Comeaux, the Rock-A-Noos and Port Neches-Groves High School,” PNG athletic director Brandon Faircloth said. “When the emcee read all of her accomplishments, it’s incredible.”
The list starts with this — Comeaux has won 1,179 matches. That is the most in Texas high school history.
The Rock-A-Noos won the state title in 1972, 1979 and 1981. PNG lost in the finals in 1980.
PNG has made the playoffs in 42 of 45 seasons and Comeaux’s teams have won 29 district championships since she became head coach in 1971. The Rock-A-Noos have reached the playoffs 33 straight times.
“Today was amazing,” Comeaux said. “I never knew so many people would make the trip.”
Comeaux estimated there were four tables of 10 to 12 people there in support of her and it included current and former PNG coaches and former Rock-A-Noos.
“She talked in her speech about being a great leader and role model for kids on and off the court,” 1976 PNG graduate Renee Posey said. “We came back to a house in the area here and we told her that she had herself done those things for us. She played a huge role in our lives. Some of us took off work to be here and others are retired and came out. We are family and we stick together. She taught us that. It was more than just volleyball.”
Comeaux added it was special to see so many former players at her induction.
“It was very special and very moving for me,” Comeaux said. “I am very honored and grateful. It was so gratifying to see so many people who I have worked with and coached be there in the crowd.”
Faircloth said Comeaux stole the show at the ceremony.
“What a blessing it is to be able to work with her,” Faircloth added. “She has made me a better coach and administrator. I hear myself say things to my team she says to her teams. She has rubbed off on me. Working with Barbara Comeaux will change your life. She is No. 1 in my book. When players from a team in 1972 show up, that is amazing.”
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Gabriel Pruett: 721-2436. Twitter: @PaNewsGabe