District News

Lancaster Central School District is proud to celebrate longtime educator and coach Sue Pernick on her induction into the New York Volleyball Coaches Association (NYVCA) Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Over more than two decades, Sue made a lasting impact on student-athletes, colleagues, and the Lancaster community through her passion, leadership, and commitment to excellence.

The following biography was provided by the New York Volleyball Coaches Association.

New York Volleyball Coaches Association

Hall of Fame Class of 2026 – Sue Pernick

Sue’s induction into the Hall of Fame celebrates a remarkable career defined by passion, dedication, and genuine love for coaching and teaching. Over more than two decades, Sue made an enduring impact on countless athletes, students, and colleagues through her commitment to excellence and her ability to build meaningful relationships.

Sue spent 25 years coaching at Lancaster Central High School, along with coaching stops at Williamsville North JV (1 year), West Valley High School (6 years), and Lackawanna (6 years). During her time at Lancaster, her teams achieved extraordinary success, including six State Championship appearances, two State Championship titles (Class A and AA), four State Runner-Up finishes, seven Regional titles, nine Sectional titles, and twelve Division titles. In addition, her program earned a Sportsmanship Award in 2004, developed a New York State Gatorade Player of the Year, and helped guide numerous athletes on to compete at the Division I, II, and III collegiate levels. Beyond the school season, Sue also dedicated her time to club volleyball, coaching with Nickel City VBC and Cheetah VBC, further expanding her influence on the sport and its athletes.

Sue’s impact extended well beyond the court. A graduate of SUNY Cortland with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education (K–12), she taught K–12 Physical Education and served as Department Chair in Lancaster for seven years. Her leadership and commitment to students earned her the NYSAAHPERD Amazing Person of the Year Award in 2008. She also organized a Kids Triathlon, which grew into the largest of its kind in New York State, running successfully for nine years.

While winning sets, matches, titles, and championships was always the goal, Sue believes the true joy came from the challenges and hard work along the way. What she is most proud of are the relationships built with athletes, parents, coaches, and officials—many of which turned into lifelong friendships. The journey was filled with great experiences, unforgettable memories, and mutual impact. As many say coaches leave a lasting impression on their athletes, Sue proudly shares that her athletes have had an equally lasting impact on her.

Lancaster Central School District congratulates Sue Pernick on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for her lasting contributions to our students, programs, and community.