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Selected as a Champion Beyond the Game in 2012 Joy Kirkland
Becker grew up in Springfield, Ohio where she excelled at high school
volleyball, basketball and softball. After graduation she moved to Palm
Beach Junior College followed by Florida State to finish her degree in
Physical Education. Here, she played softball, was a member of Women's "F"
Club and earned academic honors before graduating in 1975. For the next
five years, Joy was a teacher, girl's Athletic Director, Physical Education
Department head, and head Volleyball, Basketball and Softball Coach at
Maclay High School. Joy found time to marry her husband Robert, and have
their first daughter, Cari, while at Maclay. She left Maclay to become the
first Assistant Volleyball Coach at FSU under Cecile Reynaud. Joy was then
hired by Florida High as a teacher and Head Volleyball Coach in 1982, with
her team making the State Tournament 10 out of 13 years. Joy also began
their Softball Program, became the first female Athletic Director in their
history, and even coached Tennis and Track for a season each. Leon High
School saw her talent and hired Joy in 1996 as teacher, Head Volleyball
Coach and also the Physical Education department head. In 2001, Joy was
inducted into the Florida Coaches Association Hall of Fame, only the 5th
women in history to be bestowed this honor. She then retired from head
coaching and is currently serving as assistant coach. This summer, Joy was
named the Athletic Director at Godby High School, the 1st female in Leon
County School's history. During her coaching tenure, Joy has led her teams
to numerous state championships, and continues to serve her community and
make a difference in the world of athletics for aspiring women
athletes.
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