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Lancaster Mennonite School welcomed players, families, and fans back to campus January 10–11 for the 16th annual Glen Lapp Volleyball Tournament, a weekend marked by spirited competition, joyful reunions, and a shared commitment to honoring a life of service.
Organized by Kevin Groff ’95, the tournament brings together alumni, friends, and community members each year to celebrate the legacy of Glen Lapp ‘87, a longtime Lancaster Mennonite coach, exceptional volleyball player, and mentor who left a lasting impact on generations of students. Glen demonstrated love and respect with his quiet, peaceful personality and lived to serve others. In 2010 Glen made national headlines when he and nine others were killed while they were providing free medical assistance to a remote area in Afghanistan. Lapp served as Groff’s JV volleyball coach in the early 1990s and later coached Groff’s student-athletes during Groff’s own time as a coach at LM.
The tournament opened with a welcome from Joel Lapp ’03 and his father, Tim Lapp ‘77, cousin of Glen Lapp. Together, they reflected on the purpose of the event and the values Glen embodied both on and off the court. Players were encouraged to enjoy the competition, reconnect with one another, and follow Glen’s example of humility and service.
“Serve rather than be served,” a phrase printed on many of the tournament T-shirts, served as a guiding theme throughout the weekend—a reflection of how Glen Lapp lived his life.
For the Lapp family, the tournament continues to be a meaningful way to keep Glen’s memory alive. Kevin Groff shared that the event holds special significance for Marv Lapp, Glen’s father, as well as for the broader family and community who knew and loved him. Tim Lapp also expressed his gratitude for Lancaster Mennonite School, noting how deeply the school has shaped his family, as all of his children attended LM.
What began as a simple idea shortly after Glen’s passing—opening the gym for a time of pickup volleyball in his honor—has grown into a well-loved annual tradition. Groff, who had played for Glen, reached out to friends and former teammates to gather in remembrance, and over time that gathering evolved into the full tournament now entering its 16th year.
This tournament was created to honor Glen’s life and passion for volleyball. All proceeds benefit the Glen D. Lapp Endowment for Student Aid, which is used to provide scholarships for immigrant/refugee students at LM. Learn more about Glen’s peacebuilder legacy: click here.
The 2026 tournament featured strong participation, familiar Lancaster County names, and a positive atmosphere throughout. “It was mostly drama-free and injury-free,” Groff noted. “We heard a lot of laughter and reminiscing with old and new friends.” This year’s event also celebrated eight new winners across divisions.
Winners for the weekend included:
- A Division: Dave Landis, Matt Lapp, Mike Lapp, and Iv Stoltzfus
- BB Division: Jacob Martin, Riley Martin, Reilly Stark, and Jemiah Burkholder
The event was made possible through the continued support of generous sponsors, including Lancaster Mennonite School, Frey Lutz, Sight & Sound Theatres, the Denlinger Family, Conrad and Cynthia Lehman, and Oregon Dairy—an original sponsor that has supported the tournament since its first year. Sight & Sound once again donated complimentary tickets to the winning team, a tradition that adds to the celebration.
Additional support came from Lancaster Mennonite’s basketball boosters, who operated a concession stand during the tournament, contributing to the welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere of the weekend.
Sixteen years in, the Glen Lapp Volleyball Tournament remains more than a competition. It is a living tribute—one that brings people together across generations to remember a coach, mentor, and servant leader, and to celebrate the values that continue to shape the Lancaster Mennonite community.
