Glen Lietzke has passed away.
“His incredibly generous spirit and impact will be felt for generations of athletes, coaches, and families. Rest in peace, Coach Glen. Your legacy lives on. 🖤🏐
We are heartbroken by the passing of Glen Lietzke, a pillar of the volleyball community and a true pioneer for the sport. From youth to the collegiate level, Glen coached with purpose, passion, and a deep care for people. He co-founded Austin Juniors Volleyball Club in 1984 and helped shape the sport beyond the court, and assisted in the creation of AES. His incredibly generous spirit and impact will be felt for generations of athletes, coaches, and families. Lovbclubs
Glen Charles Lietzke Obituary
With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Glen Charles Lietzke of Austin, Texas, who passed away on December 25, 2025 at the age of 71. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
In the sacred silence of farewell, Glen is released into the embrace of eternity, knowing that his light will continue to shine brightly in the tapestry of the lives of his loved ones. And as his memory is carried forward, may comfort be found in the knowledge that love is eternal, and that Glen’s spirit lives on in the beauty that surrounds us.
He was predeceased by: his parents, Lorraine Begin Lietzke and Clarence Willard Lietzke. He is survived by: his wife Kathy; his children, Nathan and Lauren; his pets, Moose and Stormi; and his brothers, Craig and Jim. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held on Friday, January 2nd 2026 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the St. Andrew’s Episcopal School (5901 Southwest Pkwy, Austin, TX 78735).
In lieu of flowers, the Lietzke family asks that you consider donating to two organizations: JVAA Scholarship Fund or the MD Anderson Cancer Center (P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486), indicating Dr. Abbas Leukemia in memory of Glen Lietzke in the memo section of the check or donating online https://www.mdanderson.org…
USA Volleyball Mourns the Passing of Hall of Fame Leader and Visionary Glen Lietzke
Glen Lietzke
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec 27, 2025) – USA Volleyball is deeply saddened by the passing of longtime volleyball leader Glen Lietzke, a respected and influential figure whose dedication to the sport touched athletes, families, and organizations nationwide.
A true champion and pioneer of the game, Lietzke’s service spanned decades and encompassed numerous initiatives to grow and strengthen the volleyball community. He was a cornerstone of the sport, the founder of Austin Juniors Volleyball, and an AVCA Hall of Fame inductee.
In 1998, he was inducted into the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame as a recipient of the USA Volleyball George J. Fisher Leadership Award. His impact was felt profoundly at the national level through his work with First Point Volleyball, now an arm of USA Volleyball, and his service on the USA Volleyball Foundation Board, where his vision helped expand opportunities for countless young athletes.
He was a longtime coach, including collegiate stints at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Southwest Missouri State University, and the University of Texas. He also coached many teams at Austin Juniors and coached with the U.S. junior and youth national teams.
“Glen Lietzke always amazed me with the depth of his innovation and the lasting influence he had on our sport, shared John Speraw, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “But what impressed me most in recent years was his generosity and the quiet way he made an impact. I always knew I could call Glen for honest insight and thoughtful perspective. He worked behind the scenes, never seeking attention, always focused on making things better for others. That is what our sport has lost, a humble icon and we have lost a good friend.”
Lietzke was a tireless advocate for the growth of boys and men’s volleyball, investing resources and leadership to help programs thrive in regions where few opportunities previously existed. At the time of his passing, he was actively leading preparations for January’s Southwest Boys Classic, one of the premier events on the national calendar.
Beyond his professional achievements, Glen was a trusted friend to the First Point Volleyball and a visionary leader whose belief in what was possible strengthened the sport. His legacy is one of generational impact; a volleyball community made better, more inclusive, and more vibrant through his lifelong commitment.
USA Volleyball extends its heartfelt condolences to his wife, Kathy, his children, Nathan and Lauren, the Austin Juniors community, and the many athletes, coaches and colleagues inspired by his life and work.
Houston and the University of Texas sports community are reflecting on the loss of Glen Charles Lietzke, a respected and longtime presence in the world of collegiate tennis. Lietzke, who passed away this week, left a lasting mark on athletes, colleagues, and fans who admired his dedication to the sport and the people within it.
Lietzke was widely known for his passion for player development and his steady leadership across the Texas tennis landscape. Over the years, he mentored athletes who went on to shine both on and off the court. His influence extended beyond match results. He was the kind of coach whose presence elevated the entire program and whose belief in athletes often became the turning point in their performance.
A Legacy Rooted in Texas Tennis
Lietzke’s name became synonymous with excellence across the Texas tennis community. While his work was centered at the University of Texas, his impact reached far into cities such as Houston, where a vibrant tennis scene continues to grow. Families, former players, and coaches across the region have spent the week sharing stories of his encouragement, his competitive spirit, and his unwavering commitment to the sport.
Those who trained under Lietzke often credit him with shaping their approach not just to tennis, but to leadership, discipline, and integrity. His guidance built confidence in developing athletes, and his attention to detail helped elevate the standard of tennis programs he touched.
Why It Matters
Houston’s sports culture thrives on the accomplishments and legacies of Texas-born and Texas-rooted figures. Lietzke represents the spirit of mentorship that drives so many athletic programs in the state. His passing is not just a loss for UT athletics—it is a moment of reflection for countless families and coaches who strive to keep Texas tennis strong.
His influence will continue through the players he shaped, the coaches he inspired, and the programs strengthened by his leadership. The Houston tennis community, in particular, stands connected to UT through shared talent pipelines, training programs, and local athletes who were shaped by the foundation Lietzke helped build.
This article is a summary of reporting by University of Texas Athletics. Read the full story here.
