Lisa Connolly
Middle Blocker 6
Ht
5'
11"
Class
Senior
Hometown
Fort Thomas, 
Arizona
Last School
Fort Thomas
Roster Years
1978-1981


Personal

  • Received a B.S. degree in physical education

Career Highlights

  • Named to the 1981 Russell All-America Team and honorable mention All-American by Volleyball Magazine in 1980
  • Received WAC All-Conference honors in 1979, 1980 and 1981
  • Given the Crowd Pleaser Award for Women by the Cougar Club
  • Held 15 school records at the completion of her playing years 
  • Still holds the BYU record for hitting efficiency in a single match (.863) 
  • From coach Elaine Michaelis: "A captain and team leader, she is among the few outstanding middle blockers in the country."

After BYU

  • Coached the Huntington Beach High School girls' varsity team
  • Was involved in the PTA, volunteered at the school and was a Cub Scout committee member

Post BYU Honors and Societies

  • Led her high school team to two Sunset Volleyball League Championships in 1984 and 1986
  • Inducted into the BYU Hall of Fame in 1994
1994 BYU Hall of Fame

1994 BYU Hall of Fame

A middle blocker whose stuff blocks and potent spikes made her one of the elite volleyball players in the nation, Lisa Motes Connolly deserved her place on the 1981 Russell All-America Team, an honor given to the top six players of the year. The previous season, she had been selected Honorable Mention All-America by Volleyball Magazine.

Lisa attended BYU from 1978-83 and received a BS degree in physical education. During her BYU career she was BYU Preview Invitational MVP, on the NCAA Southwest Regional All-Tournament Team, a three-time member of the WAC All-Conference Team (1979, 1980, 1981) and was a member of the Cougar team that placed eighth at the national championships. In 1982 Lisa was given the Crowd Pleaser Award for Women by the Cougar Club.

A team player who commanded the respect of her teammates and coaches, Lisa owned 15 school records at the completion of her eligibility. She still holds the BYU record for hitting efficiency in a single match (.863). Her kill percentage of .364 for a single season was one of the highest in BYU history.

After leaving BYU, Lisa coached the Huntington Beach High School girls varsity team to two Sunset Volleyball League championships (1984, 1986). Coach Elaine Michaelis called her "one of the best representatives we've ever had, both athletically and personally."

For Lisa, serving doesn't just apply to volleyball. In the community she has involved herself with the PTA and as a school volunteer, has been a Cub Scout committee member, and has instructed workshops. In the LDS Church she has served as Young Women president; Primary counselor; Gospel Doctrine, Relief Society, and Primary teacher; early-morning seminary teacher (four years); and Chicago Temple excursion worker.

Freshman Year 1978

Sophmore Year 1979

  • WAC All-Conference
Junior Year 1980

  • Honorable Mention All-American by Volleyball Magazine
  • WAC All-Conference
Senior Year 1981

  • Named to the Russell All-America Team
  • WAC All-Conference
  • BYU Preview Invitational MVP
  • NCAA Southwest Regional All-Tournament Team
  • Given the Crowd Pleaser Award for Women by the Cougar Club
  • Owned 15 school records at the completion of her eligibility
  • Still holds the BYU record for hitting efficiency in a single match
  • Her kill percentage of .364 for a single season was one of the highest in BYU history
Graduate Year

Redshirt Year

Medical Redshirt Year