Jennifer Lopez was named NDSU’s 12th head volleyball coach in the program’s 54-year history. Director of athletics Matt Larsen made the announcement Oct. 23.
Lopez has been interim head coach since May 17, and has directed NDSU to a 15-6 record. She was an assistant coach the previous two seasons.
"During her time as the interim coach over the last five months, Jennifer has demonstrated the ability to lead the volleyball program in every aspect: team preparation, culture, teaching, recruiting, game management and all other operational aspects of the volleyball program," Larsen said. "In addition, Jennifer exhibits great character, is a role model to her student-athletes, is an incredible competitor, has set high expectations for the program, and most importantly, has created an environment where the young women in the program can grow, learn, make mistakes and enjoy their volleyball experience.”
Lopez, a native of Glyndon, Minnesota, was the Summit League Setter of the Year, Player of the Year and Tournament MVP in 2011 as a senior for the Bison. She was a three-time All-Summit League selection, leading NDSU to four straight regular season league titles and three NCAA Tournament appearances from 2008-11.
She returned to NDSU in April 2015 after spending the 2014 season as assistant coach at West Fargo Sheyenne High School and the 2013 season as head coach at Oak Grove Lutheran High School in Fargo.
"I am extremely honored and humbled to be able to be a part of a program that means so much to me, and I look forward to continuing a level of excellence that is Bison Volleyball," said Lopez, who graduated from NDSU in 2014 with a degree in mathematics education and a minor in coaching.
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