The Walter E. Washington Convention Center was transformed into 122 volleyball courts this weekend for the Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic.
WASHINGTON — The Walter E. Washington Convention Center was transformed into 122 volleyball courts this weekend for the Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic, a tournament founded by longtime American University coach Barry Goldberg, who died three years ago from stomach cancer.
Now in its latest installment, the event continues to draw thousands of players and families, many of whom say Goldberg’s impact on the sport and on young women athletes is still felt.
Evie Huang has attended the tournament since she was 8, first watching her older sister compete. Now a senior at Flint Hill School in Virginia and a member of Metro Volleyball Club, Huang is playing in the same event she once experienced from the stands.
“There are so many people walking down the stairs and seeing the full convention center — it’s such an incredible experience every year,” Huang said. “I feel proud. We take some pride in how we play.”
Huang said Goldberg, who founded the tournament, made a point to ensure every athlete felt recognized.
“He really focused on making sure the girls — their names were known, making sure that everyone was recognized for something that they did,” she said.
Sylvia Johnson, who both played for and coached alongside Goldberg at American, said his influence extended beyond the court.
“I learned how to treat people from him and how to make people feel valued,” Johnson said. “He’s left a legacy for many generations to come.”
Goldberg’s wife, Bonnie, said hearing from former players and families keeps his memory alive.
“When people here come up to me and talk about Barry and they tell me something he said, something he did, that keeps that memory alive,” she said. “It keeps the legacy alive.”
Their daughter, Arielle Houlihan, is now a volleyball coach herself and said she carries forward her father’s emphasis on creating opportunities for young women in sports.
“Representation in the sport is incredibly important,” Houlihan said. “Now you see women all over the place that are coaching and leading, and I think it’s important for women to keep continuing to push that narrative and idea forward.”
Huang said she has seen that growth firsthand.
“I know I grew up watching girls play at the next level,” she said. “To be able to compete and get there has been really nice. The sport is just growing, so as more women get opportunities, it’s been really special to see everyone.”
Goldberg’s legacy is also reflected in the next generation of athletes. Huang has committed to play volleyball at George Washington University in the fall, continuing a path paved in part by the coach whose tournament still fills the convention center each year.