Jan. 26, 2010
HARRISONBURG, Va. – Kentucky assistant coach Lauren Sauer was tabbed the head coach at James Madison University it was announced on Monday.
Sauer spent three seasons with the Wildcats as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. In January of 2009, Sauer was tabbed one of the “30 best coaches under the age of 30” by the American Volleyball Coaches Association.
“I am very excited for Lauren and her future as a head coach,” Kentucky coach Craig Skinner said. “She is a phenomenal person with an incredible work ethic and has earned this opportunity. She has given Kentucky volleyball a great deal over the last three years and we will miss her as we go forward. She will always be a part of this program and the Kentucky volleyball family.”
Sauer becomes the second assistant coach under Skinner who has gone on to become a head coach. Former assistant Robert Pulliza just completed his second season as head coach at Arkansas.
“Her earning this position shows a lot of respect for what she has accomplished,” Skinner said. “I also think we do it the right way here at Kentucky, and I believe we have helped prepare her for many years of success at James Madison. Lauren has found success throughout her life, and I expect it to be no different at this next stop of her coaching career.”
The Blue and White have made three NCAA tournament runs with Sauer a part of the Kentucky coaching regime including a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2009. The Wildcats capped the season as the No. 12 ranked team in the country and have been in the national rankings for 27 consecutive poll releases.
As the recruiting coordinator, Sauer helped haul in the 13th rated class in 2009 and the 17th best class in 2008. Redshirt freshman Whitney Billings was an AVCA High School All-American and ranked among the top-50 recruits in the country. In the fall, Kentucky signed Elizabeth Koberstein who is ranked the No. 3 setter overall nationally and among the top-15 high school seniors for the 2010 season.
“I will always cherish my time with the Kentucky volleyball program,” Sauer said. “I have had the opportunity to work with the best coaches, support staff and players in the country and I will miss them dearly. I would like to thank everyone involved with the Kentucky program for a wonderful three years.”
Stay tuned to UKathletics.com for the most up-to-date information regarding the UK volleyball team.
