MSHSAA Celebrates the Induction of Linda Lampkin into the National High School Hall of Fame
COLUMBIA – The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) is proud to announce that longtime Hermann High School volleyball coach Linda Lampkin has been selected for induction into the National High School Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class. Lampkin, a legendary coach and mentor, is being recognized for her extraordinary contributions to high school athletics and her unparalleled success in girls volleyball.
“First of all, I would like to thank MSHSAA for nominating me for the National High School Hall of Fame,” Lampkin said. “Receiving this honor leaves me feeling both humbled and blessed. I also want to thank the Gasconade County R-1 School District for allowing me the opportunity to coach volleyball for 40 years. During that time, I was blessed to work with talented and hard-working athletes and the best assistant coaches. We were supported by parents, our administration, school, and community. I am grateful to all those individuals, for without them, honors like this would not be possible.”
This June, Lampkin will officially join the National High School Hall of Fame in an induction ceremony in Chicago, where she will be honored alongside other elite figures in high school sports.
You can see the full list of inductees here.
Linda is the 18th Missourian to ever be inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame. She’s the first since former MSHSAA Executive Director Becky Oakes was inducted in 2022.
“Linda Lampkin’s career is a shining example of the impact a dedicated educator and coach can have on a community,” MSHSAA Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Rukstad said. “Her legacy is not only defined by her impressive win-loss record but by the countless lives she has touched, the athletes she has mentored, and the standards of excellence she has set in high school athletics.”
Lampkin’s career as an educator, athletic director and volleyball coach is a testament to her dedication to high school athletics and her impact on generations of students and athletes. With 40 years of volleyball coaching experience and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Lampkin has amassed an extraordinary legacy at Hermann High School.
Professional Background and Dedication to Education: Lampkin began her career at Hermann High School in 1979, where she taught physical education, health and weightlifting for 18 years. Recognized for her leadership, she transitioned to the role of athletic director while continuing to teach, and in 1999, she became assistant principal and athletic director. Lampkin served her entire 30-year educational career in the Gasconade County R-I School District, providing stability, vision and leadership to her school and community.
After her retirement from administration in 2009, she continued her involvement as a volleyball coach, showing her deep commitment to the sport and her students. Even after stepping down from coaching in 2019, her influence remains deeply ingrained in the Hermann High School volleyball program and the broader Missouri athletic community.
A Record-Breaking Volleyball Coaching Career: Lampkin's volleyball coaching career is nothing short of legendary. Over 39 years as a head coach, she led her teams to a 943-344-50 record, establishing herself as a dominant force in Missouri high school athletics. Her achievements include:
- 32 district championships
- 24 Final Four appearances
- 13 state championships, the most by any MSHSAA girls’ volleyball coach
- 12 seasons with 30+ wins, with a remarkable 37-2-1 season record in 2002
Her teams’ sustained success, including 22 Four Rivers Conference Championships and 32 District titles, is a testament to her exceptional coaching abilities, strategic acumen and dedication to fostering competitive excellence.
Player Development and Lasting Impact on Student-Athletes: Beyond team accolades, Lampkin has been instrumental in developing individual talent. Her mentorship has led to:
- 49 All-State players who have received recognition for their talent and hard work
- 22 athletes advancing to junior college, 18 to NCAA programs, and 7 to NAIA schools
- 2 former players who went on to play professionally in Europe
Lampkin has not only developed outstanding athletes but also nurtured future coaches. Several of her former players have pursued coaching careers, with two going on to win state championships themselves in Arkansas and Montana. This legacy of leadership demonstrates her influence as a role model and mentor, inspiring the next generation of volleyball coaches.
Recognition and Awards: Lampkin’s exceptional contributions have been recognized at the state, regional and national levels:
- Missouri High School Volleyball Coaches Association Class 2 Coach of the Year – 12 times
- Missouri High School Volleyball Coaches Association Peggy Johnson Award (2009)
- Missouri Coaches Association Volleyball Coach of the Year (2009)
- NFHS Midwest Section and National Volleyball Coach of the Year (2009)
- Inducted into the Missouri High School Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2011)
- Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (2013)
Lampkin’s achievements have not only garnered individual accolades but also brought recognition to Hermann High School. In 2022, the Hermann volleyball program was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, a tribute to her role in building a powerhouse program.
Linda Lampkin’s career is a shining example of the impact a dedicated educator and coach can have on their community. Her legacy is not only defined by her impressive win-loss record but by the countless lives she has touched, the athletes she has mentored, and the standards of excellence she has set in high school athletics.
--MSHSAA--