In Wednesday’s Sun we ran comments from many of Gainesville High School volleyball coach Cindy Boulware’s peers, former and current players about her winning the 500th match of her career.

(http://www.gainesville.com/article/20080930/NEWS/810010286/1109/sports?Title=Canes__Boulware_nets_500th_victory).

They obviously have a deep adoration for the woman most often referred to as “Coach B.”

I wanted to share perhaps my favorite story of many good ones, and believe it or not, it doesn’t involve the 32-0 team from 2003 that might be the best in state history.

It came in 2000 at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex right after the Hurricanes defeated Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 12-15, 15-6, 15-11 to deliver GHS and Boulware the first of three FHSAA state championships (so far).

She was asked a question on her feelings about freshman Michelle Stalbaum stepping in as the starting outside hitter in place of senior Mary Kate Flynn who tore her ACL in the semifinal.

I kid you not, Coach B had a gleam in one eye and a tear in the other when discussing the situation.

At the same time she was so proud of Stalbaum for looking more like a veteran than a nervous 14-year-old and so sad Flynn, such a major part of the program, had to miss out on the biggest moment of her sports life.

Just looking at her, I could tell how excited and pained she was at the same time and I thought to myself “she really loves all of these kids so much more than that shiny new medal around her neck and that trophy in her hands.” And I had no doubt if she could have given Flynn one of her healthy ACLs, Boulware would have.

To me, stories like that, more than wins, losses, championships and college players produced should be Boulware’s legacy.

I wrote a blog last November saying Oak Hall should call its playing surface “Cari’s Court” in honor of volleyball coach Cari Martin (herself 10 wins from 500), and I think GHS should do the same. “Cindy’s Court” sounds awfully good, too.

Hey Hurricanes, need ideas on how it can be done? Just ask boys basketball coach Kelly Beckham. Bronson named its court after him when he won his 500th.