MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Briarcrest Christian School is mourning the death of beloved varsity volleyball coach Carrie Yerty.
The school announced Wednesday the death of Yerty, who had recently retired after coaching at the school since 2016. A BCS spokesperson tells us Yerty had been fighting cancer before her death.
The school said during her time at Briarcest, Coach Yerty, who also previously coached at the University of Memphis, oversaw the State Championship winning team for 2018, 2019, and 2020, “becoming the only coach in Briarcrest school history to claim a State Championship three-peat.” She had a 92% winning record.
The school said Coach Yerty was recognized as Coach of the Year by both the Daily Memphian and Commercial Appeal in 2018, 2019, and 2020, and her 2018 team ranked as high as 5th in the nation by Prep Volleyball. The team was named Team of the Year by the Commercial Appeal in 2019.
Yerty coached 11 Under Armour All-Americans and had nine student athletes continue to college on volleyball scholarships during her years at BCS.
Known as “Coach C,” Briarcrest said Yerty also served as the school’s Elementary School Athletic Director and was honored with the Dr. Clair E. Cox Award for Teacher Excellence in 2020.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Carrie’s passing. Carrie has impacted the lives of countless young women. Her desire to share the Gospel was evident in her daily walk and courageous spirit,” said Caron Swatley, President, Briarcrest Christian School, in a news release. “Carrie’s legacy will remain in the hearts of our school community and in the athletic history of Briarcrest Christian School.”
The U of M said Yerty was the longest tenured head coach in Memphis volleyball history, serving in the role from 1996 to 2007. During her 12 years at Memphis she was the all-time winningest coach in program history, collecting 233 wins. This included eight winning seasons and four consecutive from 2001-04.
“Our program is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of coach Carrie Yerty. Those who had the pleasure of knowing Carrie knew she was a fierce competitor both as a player and a coach but also someone who cared deeply for those she was around,” said Tiger head coach Sean Burdette.
Coach Yerty leaves behind her husband, Lee and her three sons, Wesley, Jace and Cade, as well as her parents, Mr. and Mrs. CR Couturier, of Gig Harbor, Washington.
A celebration of life service is being planned. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Carrie Yerty Courage and Discipleship Fund at Briarcrest Christian School.
