Every sport at East Texas A&M has had their “Golden era.”

For Football, it was the 1950’s, and to a lesser extent the 1990’s and 2010’s.

For Men’s Basketball, it was the 1950’s and 1970’s.

For Women’s Basketball it was the 2010’s.

For Men’s track, it was the 1960’s.

For Men’s Golf, it was the 1960’s

For Women’s Golf, it was the 2010’s.

I think you get the point.

For the Lion Volleyball program, the 1980’s were their golden era. Between Donna Tavener and Kathy Goodlett, the Lions qualified for the national postseason 4 times, and in the final trip to nationals, they made it worth their while.

The Lions made their third consecutive NCAA Regional appearance in 1988, a feat that hasn’t been repeated since. Coach Goodlett coached her team to a 23-10 record overall, a 12-2 conference record, and second place in the LSC . East Texas began the season on a tear with an 11-game win streak, which was ended by West Texas A&M. The Lions put together a five-game win streak before losing to Nebraska-Omaha and Central Missouri, and then a three-game win streak before five consecutive losses, including a second loss to West Texas A&M. The Lions rebounded and returned to the NCAA Regionals, only to have their season ended once again by Central Missouri.

Alice Fortes led the Lions in kills with 469, and Melanie Rea had 356. Kristine King eclipsed the rest of Lion volleyball with 1032 assists, compared to the 222 assists the rest of the team had. Fortes proved to be a leader on defense as well with 246 total blocks, and Belinda Hess came in second in blocks with 152. Rea led the way in digs with 281, and Fortes had 224.

Fortes’ statistical acumen earned her yet another First Team All-LSC recognition, her third in four years. King was named to the Second Team All-LSC for the first time, and Rea was also honored for the first time. Fortes and Rea were also named to the All-LSC Academic team.

Goodlett would retire after 1989 and is the second-winningest coach in Lion Volleyball history, compiling a 185-91 record in her seven seasons and a spot in the Lion Athletics Hall of Fame.