A pioneer and tireless supporter of women's athletics at all levels, Barb Viera built a national and international reputation for excellence during her 27-year volleyball head coaching career at the University of Delaware. She posted a career record of 682-429-4 during the longest tenure in University of Delaware women's athletics history, ranking No. 7 on the all-time NCAA Division I win list. Her teams advanced to post-season play every year during her career and participated in four national tournaments, including Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) berths in 1975 and 1979 and National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC) appearances in 1992 and 1994. She was named league Coach of the Year four times and led her team to three league titles and the 1979 EAIAW Eastern title. Her teams enjoyed 22 winning seasons, advanced to post-season competition all 27 years, and posted 20 or more wins 21 times and 30 or more wins eight times, including a school record in both 1977 and 1980. A 1963 honors graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Viera earned her master's and doctorate degrees from Springfield (MA) College and served as a physical education professor at Delaware. She has also earned numerous honors and awards for her support of athletic opportunities for girls and women and was the author of several books and articles on volleyball and women's athletics. The University of Delaware volleyball court is named in her honor as is the Delaware High School Volleyball Sportsmanship Award. She is still active in youth and adult sports both locally and nationally and resides in Newark.
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