Dennis Wills has been coaching volleyball for 18 years. For the past 13 seasons, he has been the Galena Pirate’s varsity head coach. After the Lady Pirate win over West Carroll on Tuesday, October 2, he reached a career milestone. For the 500th time in his career, Wills led the Pirates to victory.  His family and players were excited to honor him with a plaque to commemorate this milestone.

As a junior varsity coach, Wills had a record of 129-26 and at the varsity level he has had an impressive 371-82-7 record. During his time at the helm, the Pirates have won five NUIC conference titles, six IHSA Regional titles and and IHSA Class 2A Sectional title.

During his time as a coach, Wills has also been involved in the local club volleyball program. He runs primary and middle school camps to teach fundamentals of the sport. Wills has stated it is important to him to instill a “love of the sport” at a young age. It is also important to him to see his high school players go on to play at the next level. Wills has had students play in the NAIA, at community college, NCAA D2 or D3.

The Lady Pirates will be at home one last time this season on Tuesday, October 9 when they face Eastland. The JV game will start at 6:00 pm.