Berkeley Prep names volleyball court after Randy Dagostino

Berkeley Prep hosted a surprise ceremony Friday for former volleyball coach Randy Dagostino, naming the court of its new fieldhouse after the man who built the program into a powerhouse.

School administrators, former players and dozens of parents first celebrated senior night for this year’s team, then pulled the stunned Dagostino to midcourt for the announcement.

“Oh, wow,” Dagostino said. “I love this place and I loved every minute I’ve worked with this volleyball program.”

Dagostino, who retired last year after winning 15 state titles in 28 years, has been working as a part-time coach this year for his longtime assistant and new Buccaneers head coach John Coup.

He was helping to coordinate senior night activities prior to Friday’s game against Tampa Prep when he was called to center court.
Dagostino was handed a trophy, then spoke briefly to the audience before the final surprise: a phone call from his daughter, Mackenzie

Dagostino, a former Bucs star who is now a freshman setter at Maryland. The call  was piped through the fieldhouse sound system.

“Dad, I’m so proud of you and I love you,” she said, her voice cracking. “I wish I could be there.”

Berkeley Prep will call the floor Coach Dag Volleyball Court. The school briefly turned off the lights during the ceremony to show where his name will be displayed on the court.

Teams in post

• Berkeley Preparatory School