Longtime AAU Volunteer Passes

ORLANDO, Fla. - It is with great sadness that the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) shares the passing of longtime AAU volunteer, Joyce Cooney, on Wednesday, October 5, 2022. Joyce had been battling cancer and was surrounded by close family when she passed away peacefully.

A member of the AAU Volleyball National Executive Committee and Governor of the Ozark AAU District, Joyce was a huge presence on the youth sports scene in the St. Louis, Missouri-area as well as at the AAU national level for more than 30 years.

"The volleyball community has suffered a great loss with the passing of Joyce," said Joe Gura, AAU Volleyball National Chair. "She was very instrumental in what AAU Volleyball has become today. Joyce's support, knowledge, and most of all, friendship will be greatly missed by the AAU volleyball community and all who knew her."

Known for a high-energy approach, warm personality and passion for volleyball, Joyce was an instrumental part of the growth of AAU Volleyball from approximately 12,200 members in 1999 to more than 230,000 members in 2022, placing volleyball as the #1 sport in the AAU.

Joyce was one of the founders of ACE Volleyball Club out of St. Louis, Missouri more than 30 years ago. Over the years, Joyce coached numerous boys' and girls' teams that participated in the AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships.

Her experience of coaching teams at AAU nationals was very special to her: "It is an honor to be a part of these moments for the players and families."

Joyce attended the AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships for many years with her late husband Thomas Cooney, Sr. This was a trip both Joyce and Thomas looked forward to each year.

Joyce's love of volleyball was evidenced in her constant encouragement of coaches starting out creating their own clubs as well as offering training programs to kids who could not make a club team. Being a club director for more than 30 years only added to Joyce's desire to promote her favorite sport to others.

In 1992, she was named to the AAU National Volleyball Executive Committee by then AAU Volleyball National Chair and future 47th President of the AAU, Dr. Roger Goudy. Joyce worked closely with Dr. Goudy and the rest of the executive committee on numerous growth-related initiatives for the sport of volleyball over the years. In addition, Joyce represented the AAU on the USA Volleyball Rules Commission for many years.

Joyce also served at the district level as the Ozark AAU Volleyball District Director for more than 30 years. She was elected Ozark AAU Secretary in 2013 before becoming the Ozark AAU District Governor in 2020.

Throughout the years, Joyce has received various awards from AAU Volleyball for her many contributions to the sport including the AAU Jack Schatz Award in 2008. This award is given out to an individual who shows outstanding dedication to the sport of volleyball.

(Joyce Cooney receiving the Jack Schatz Award by then AAU Volleyball National Chair and future 47th AAU President Dr. Roger J. Goudy at the 2008 AAU National Convention in Cancun, Mexico)

In 2018, during the AAU National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, Joyce garnered two (2) more awards honoring her tireless efforts on behalf of the AAU.

She was the recipient of AAU Volleyball's Emil Breitkreutz Leadership Award, awarded annually for outstanding contributions to AAU Volleyball.

Joyce also was spotlighted for outstanding service of 25 years or more at the AAU district level with the organization's 25-Year Silver Pin.

(Joyce Cooney receiving the Emil Breitkreutz Leadership Award by then AAU Volleyball National Chair and 47th AAU President Dr. Roger J. Goudy at the 2018 AAU National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio)

Joyce's accomplishments with the AAU were many and culminated in induction into the AAU Volunteer Hall of Fame in 2018. This prestigious honor is given out to those dedicated men and women who devoted their lives to making the Amateur Athletic Union the continued leader in the amateur sports industry.

An inspiration to all of us, Joyce continued working on behalf of the AAU, its volunteers, district / national staff and AAU members while battling cancer. She brought her energetic personality, generous heart, and love of sports to the Ozark AAU District and the AAU Volleyball community across the country.

Her AAU roles were many and included volunteer, mentor, and most importantly, friend. We know the AAU Volleyball family and the entirety of the AAU membership joins us in expressing our heartfelt condolences and sorrow to her family.

Joyce is survived by Sharon Dees (daughter), Michael (son-in-law), Ashley and Laurie (granddaughters) Thomas W. Cooney, Jr. (son), Eve (daughter-in-law), Joseph and Evan (grandsons) along with longtime partner William "Bill" Mulvihill.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joyce Cooney's name to: Coaches vs Cancer, 5167 Rosemount Dr., St. Charles, MO 63304.

Funeral Arrangements:
On October 15th, a visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 10:30 am with memorial service immediately following.

Location - Kutis Funeral Home, South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, Mehlville, MO 63129, 314-894-4500.

(Joyce Cooney giving out championship trophies and medals to teams during the 46th AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships in 2018 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida)