Joan began her association with the sport of volleyball when she attended the NAGWS 3th National Institute of Sport in 1966, which offered a sport institute to introduce the sport of “power volleyball” to various teachers and coaches. Returning from that clinic, Joan started a USVBA team in Trenton, NJ and was a player-coach using all the new techniques and strategies that she learned at the institute.
In 1968 Joan started a USVBA team in Connecticut called the Connecticut Clippers. Joan was the player-coach for the team. The Clippers traveled extensively throughout the country playing against many highly competitive teams. The team was the best in the region and represented the region at the USVBA National Tournament from 1969- 1974.
During those years, Joan became an official as well. She held NAGWS National rating and did many high school and collegiate matches. She officiated at the AIAW Large College National Tournament at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT in 1973.
In addition to officiating, Joan conducted many clinics for high schools, colleges and many industrial leagues throughout the Northeast. During her playing days, Joan received many individual awards and accolades for her performance on the volleyball court. She was one of the initiators of the modern game for all those associated with the game in Connecticut and throughout the Northeast.