DuBois Central Catholic School's year-end athletic banquet provides high school athletes an opportunity to be recognized by coaches, family, and friends. Athletes are commended, not only for their extraordinary talents, but for their discipline and high sportsmanship standards, those which lie at the core of athletic participation. Volleyball, track & field, baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, swimming & diving, basketball, cross country, golf and air rifle are the many teams that represent the DuBois Central Catholic School athletic community.
After the invocation, coach comments, and athletic highlights, guest speaker, Coach Dan Fisher took to the podium to offer insight about his journey as an athlete, and later coach. Fisher spent five years playing volleyball in Spain, Belgium, and Switzerland, even representing Team USA. However, he gradually transitioned into coaching.
In 2013, Fisher became the head women's volleyball coach at the University of Pittsburgh. In the past 12 seasons under his direction, volleyball at the university has risen to unprecedented success, garnering six ACC Championships over an eight-year span (2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024), the program's first five NCAA Elite Eight appearances (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) and the university's first four NCAA Division I Women's Final Four appearances (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024). Fisher's 12 seasons have brought about winning at a scale nearly unheard of in collegiate volleyball. Combining the 2020-2024 seasons, Fisher has lead the volleyball team to more match victories than any other NCAA Division I women's volleyball program with 142 wins.
In January 2025, Coach Fisher signed a contract extension that ensures his leadership of the Pitt Panthers Ladies Volleyball team through at least the 2030 season.
Following the presentation by Fisher, the Roland J. Noble Award was announced and presented to the 2025 winner, Coach Adam Fox. Fox has been a pivotal influence in the growth and development of Cardinal baseball, leading the team to a state championship title back in 2023. Those who know Fox, understand that it's more about the game, than winning. Past students have described Fox's dedication to team building, rather than a primary focus on individual accomplishments or recognition. Under his direction, student athletes have been inspired, cared for, and motivated to stretch their athletic abilities and ways of thinking. All the while, learning took place, bringing to light the important life lessons of perseverance, ethical behavior, and commitment to value systems. The Roland J. Noble Award was graciously received by Fox, a well deserving, influential coach, who has marked the lives of young student athletes at DuBois Central Catholic School.
“It’s not the will to win that matters—everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.” – Paul “Bear” Bryant
The Roland J. Noble Award honors individuals who have demonstrated sincere devotion to DuBois Central Catholic's athletic program. The award remembers Mr. Noble, the individual who spearheaded the Cardinal Athletics Program, also referred to as CAPS.
Thank you to our coaches, teachers, administration, families, and all those involved in growing our school athletes, both physically and spiritually, consistent with the mission of DuBois Central Catholic School.