Back in 2003, Andrea Sullivan watched other coaches reach milestones she could only dream about.
More than two decades later, the Scott volleyball alum has joined that company herself, earning her 500th career win with the same program she once played for.
On Aug. 30, the Lady Eagles competed in the “Scott September Slam (in August)” and went 6-0 to win the event. In their fifth match against Newport Central Catholic, Sullivan secured the milestone victory.
“When I first started coaching, compared to now, it is rare to see coaches stay in it as long as some have,” Sullivan said. “Maureen Kaiser has been coaching for a long time. Back when I started, Jenny Mertle stood out to me, and when she reached her 500th win, I thought that was remarkable. I remember telling myself it would be amazing to reach 500 someday, and now, 23 years later, I am here.”
Sullivan’s first career win came on Aug. 14, 2003, in her second game as Scott’s head coach, a 2-0 sweep of Covington Latin. Since that day, she has guided the Lady Eagles to nine district championships, six region titles, two state semifinal appearances, and now the landmark 500th victory.
Fans in the crowd held up signs that read “500” and “Congrats,” while players sported erasable tattoos to mark the occasion. Alumni returned to watch the game. The celebration concluded with Sullivan jumping into Scott’s indoor swimming pool alongside her players, encouraged by her husband, St. Henry boys’ basketball coach Tim Sullivan.
“The celebration was one of my favorite moments in Scott volleyball,” senior Milyn Minor said. “We just won the tournament we haven’t won in nine years, the pool is brand new and huge so that was amazing. All of our parents were there and it was a great experience for everyone, especially the school and the community.”
The milestone was impressive, but sharing it with her family, including Tim and her daughter Emory, a sophomore on the Scott team who transferred from Cooper after her freshman year, made it especially meaningful. Both have been part of Sullivan’s journey and success with the Lady Eagles.
“It is helpful having two head coaches,” Andrea said. “Tim and I have faced tough nights, hard losses, and challenges with parents and players. Having someone who understands and can offer support makes all the difference. I cannot imagine managing without a spouse who shares that experience.”
Emory has been part of the program long before she was old enough to play. A year ago she may not have coached her in high school, but now the two are together.
“Coaching my daughter is an opportunity I never expected,” Andrea said. “It is special because she has grown up surrounded by the program. She has been in nearly every team photo from district and region championships. I remember the day I told my players I was pregnant with her. They thought I might quit, but I continued coaching throughout my pregnancy. She has been part of this program ever since.”
Countless talented players have passed through the program, but Milyn Minor, a two-time 10th Region Player of the Year and first-team All-State selection, has been central to much of Sullivan’s success. Minor, who first played varsity in seventh grade, has been part of teams that captured district championships, region titles, state tournament runs, and now this latest milestone.
“I was part of her 400th win too, so being part of this one was a really cool experience,” Minor said. “After the win, we all remembered the 100 games in between. It was like taking a trip down memory lane.”
When you think of Scott volleyball, this milestone is just one more reason the program stands out.
“She loves Scott and takes so much pride in the volleyball program,” Minor said. “She knows the potential it has. In the area and in the community, volleyball has always been huge, and that is because of her.”
With seven straight wins after an 0-2 start, the Lady Eagles are proving that the 500th victory is not just a milestone in the past, but a momentum builder for the season ahead. If the early trends hold, the best chapters of Sullivan’s coaching legacy may still be on the court, and the pool is ready for the next celebration.