Feb. 13, 2008

FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State Athletic Department named Lauren Netherby-Sewell as the new head coach for the Bulldog volleyball team on Wednesday (Feb. 13) evening. Director of Athletics Thomas Boeh made the announcement and Netherby-Sewell was on campus, but minutes before the 4:30 p.m. scheduled press conference, she received a call regarding a family emergency that needed her attention. She will meet the media at 9 a.m. on Thursday morning.

Netherby-Sewell coached two years at Hofstra University in New York and was a 2006 Honorable Mention for National Coach of the Year.

"With a growing reputation and a track record of inordinate success, Lauren is clearly one of the nation's most talented, young Division I coaches," said Boeh. "We are thrilled she will be leading our program in the years ahead."

In her two years at Hofstra, Netherby-Sewell led the Pride to their first-ever Colonial Athletic Association Championship in 2006 with a 17-1 conference record. That team was ranked No. 32 in the country, the highest ever ranking in school history. They also won their schools first NCAA Tournament game and advanced to the second round. Her overall record as a head coach is 43-19.

"Lauren Netherby-Sewell is one of the most intelligent and successful volleyball coaches in the nation. She accomplished great things in her two seasons as our head coach," said Hofstra Director of Athletics Jack Hayes. "We are sorry to see her leave, but wish her all the best at Fresno State and thank her for her efforts with Hofstra's volleyball program."

Before being named head coach at Hofstra, Netherby-Sewell was an assistant for the Pride for two seasons, following two years as an assistant at Columbia, where she also earned her Master's in Physical Education.

"Lauren is a rising star in the world of volleyball coaches," said Fran Kalafer, former head coach at Hofstra and AVCA Hall of Fame Inductee. "She is a terrific head coach, bright, hard working and a student of the game. Look for her to bring great achievements to any program she works with!"

Also an excellent player, Netherby-Sewell played four seasons at Nevada when it competed in the Big West Conference and received votes in the top 25 poll. She won several all-tournament honors including MVP of the Big West Tournament and set a Nevada single-match record with 32 kills. She was coached by the current head coach of the Wolf Pack, Devin Scruggs.

A native of San Clemente, California, Netherby-Sewell was a standout at San Clemente High School and for the Laguna Beach Volleyball Club.

"It took a rare and promising opportunity to recruit me and my husband away from our team and staff at Hofstra University," said Netherby-Sewell. "I'm thrilled to have a chance to lead Fresno State volleyball to their brilliant potential. The current athletic administration have strong values and impressive plans to make this a safe, opportunistic, enjoyable experience, not only for me and my family, but any of the fortunate student-athletes that join our team. Hello California - I'm back!"

To see more on Netherby-Sewell view her bio at: http://gobulldogs.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/mtt/netherbysewell_lauren00.html.

"Join the State - Fresno State!" - For more information on Fresno State volleyball in the off-season, continue to long on to www.gobulldogs.com.