How Susan Brewer '77 Turned a Dream Into 1,296 Wins and Counting
April 01, 2026
By Christi Mays
When Susan Brewer ’77 walked onto the Mary Hardin-Baylor campus as a young athlete from East Bernard, Texas, she already knew her purpose: to become a coach who would change lives. Nearly half a century later, that calling has evolved into a legacy marked by nine UIL state championships and the title of “winningest active volleyball coach in the state of Texas,” with 1,296 wins to date (and counting).
“I fell in love with volleyball because it is the true team sport,” Brewer said. “It is fast paced, takes a lot of teamwork and communication, and it shows the athleticism of the athlete and the smarts players have to have to make quick decisions in a moment. I do absolutely love it!”
The amazing part of her coaching career is that it has all happened at one school — Bellville High School, where Brewer actually started the volleyball program fresh from college and has been there ever since.
“I love Bellville," she said. “After we started winning, no place or other students could compare.”
A FOUNDATION BUILT AT UMHB
Before Brewer became one of the winningest volleyball coaches in Texas history, she was a young athlete at UMHB, splitting time between volleyball and tennis, and observing the coaches, knowing she would one day be one herself.
“My reason for playing was to become a good coach and gain an understanding of how to teach others about the game,” she said. “Believe me, it was so fun!”
MENTORS WHO MATTERED
That passion began in East Bernard Junior High, where volleyball was just gaining popularity. Alongside her growing love for the game, she found mentors who shaped her life and ultimately led her to UMHB.
Brewer’s path to Belton was guided by a remarkable circle of women educators at East Bernard, who all happened to be UMHB graduates. She says each of these women helped shape her both as a player and a person and inspired her to get her education at UMHB:
• Maggie James ’69, her high school tennis coach, introduced her to both tennis and UMHB.
• Norma Pullin ’66, her volleyball coach, taught her not only the game but also how to teach and lead.
• Nell Shannon ’67, her history and English teacher, instilled a lifelong love of learning.
• Velma Leverkuhn ’66, her math teacher, gave her the tools to succeed academically.
• Nancy Huey ’65, her English teacher and sponsor, modeled leadership and service.“I thought Mary Hardin-Baylor was ‘The World,’ and I was going!” Brewer recalled.
BUILDING BELLVILLE VOLLEYBALL FROM THE GROUND UP
After graduating from UMHB, Brewer searched for a school where she could build a program like the one she admired in East Bernard. Bellville, a small community in Southeast Texas, gave her that chance.
Her first year was a whirlwind, she said. “I started volleyball, coached two sub-varsity basketball teams, coached spring tennis, and was the cheerleader sponsor!”
From that humble beginning in 1977, the Bellville Brahmanette volleyball team has become a powerhouse under Brewer’s leadership.
Brewer has also led two tennis doubles teams to state championships, adding to a résumé that few in Texas high school athletics can match.
IMPRESSIVE ACCOLADES
Coach Brewer’s honors and awards are as impressive as her record. She was inducted into the Texas Girls Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2019 and the American Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2022. She has been named TGCA Volleyball Coach of the Year five times and was the NFHS National Coach of the Year in 2005. In 2024, she was honored as the Greater Houston Volleyball Coaches Association Coach of the Year for small schools and private schools.
Even with such an extraordinary coaching record, Brewer remains grounded in what truly matters: her students, her school and her town.
“I love Bellville with all my heart,” Brewer said. “The students here are special, and the parents are so supportive. It is a wonderful community that just runs through my veins.”
LOOKING AHEAD
After 49 seasons of coaching volleyball and tennis, Brewer shows no signs of slowing down.
“I believe that I have moved with the game and education so that I am still productive and bring something to the job every day,” she said. “I am very happy and in good health. I love what I do, so when the time comes to retire, I think I will know. But as of yet, no plans.”
As she reflects on her journey from UMHB to one of Texas’s most acclaimed high school volleyball programs, the beloved coach says it has gone by in a flash.
“It started, and now, poof, here I am. I love coaching, I love my players, and I love the school and community. It does not get any better!”
