Jan Kirk built one of the most successful high school volleyball programs in Washington during her 24 years as head coach at Fife High School, finishing with a remarkable career record of 637–15.

Under her leadership, the Trojans won 18 league titles, 14 district titles, and made 20 State Tournament appearances, capturing four State Championships. Her teams also earned multiple podium finishes, including four runner-up, third, and fourth-place trophies, along with additional top-eight finishes. From 2005 to 2010, Fife did not lose a league match, and in Kirk’s final three years, the program did not drop a single set.

Beyond coaching, Kirk helped grow the sport across the region. She coordinated the State All-Star Volleyball Tournament at Fife for 20 years and co-founded the Puget Sound Volleyball Academy (originally Puget Sound Volleyball Club) with her son Kelly in 1989.

Her contributions have been recognized through numerous honors, including induction into the Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2010), Fife High School Hall of Fame (2012), and Federal Way Athletic Hall of Fame (2008). She also received the NFHS Sectional Coach of the Year Award (2008), Pemco Girls Coach of the Year Award (1995–96), Wayne Gardner Award (2010), and Bill Neville Excellence in Volleyball Award (2011). She was later inducted into the Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Hall of Fame (2016).

While her record of success is unmatched, Kirk’s true legacy lies in the players she coached. She was known for developing disciplined, fundamentally sound athletes who embodied teamwork and resilience. She transformed Fife volleyball into a powerhouse program and left an enduring impact on coaches, athletes, and the growth of the sport across Washington.