Briar Cliff University Athletics is proud to announce Lauren Boatman as Head Coach of Charger Volleyball. Boatman, a Sioux City Native, spent the last five seasons as the Head Coach for her alma mater Bishop Heelan Catholic School.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Lauren Boatman to Briar Cliff University as our Head Volleyball Coach, Lauren has a passion for the game and knows what it takes to be successful at all levels," said Tim Jager, Executive Director of Athletic Operations. "I look forward to Lauren's leadership taking the BCU volleyball program to a new level in the upcoming years."
 
Boatman recently guided the Bishop Heelan Catholic Crusaders to the 2024 Iowa Class 4A State Championship. The Crusaders went 44-3 on the season. Boatman was named Class 4A Coach of the Year this past fall. She was named CYO Volleyball Coach of the Year in 2021.
 
Boatman had a decorated career as a student-athlete at the University of Iowa, earning four letters in volleyball. Boatman finished with 1,087 career kills and ranks 15^th on the program's all-time list. She appeared in 125 matches and made 104 starts. In her final three seasons in Iowa City, she led the Hawkeyes in kills each season.
 
Boatman earned a Bachelor of Arts in history with a minor in sport studies from the University of Iowa. Her mother Deborah played volleyball and basketball at Briar Cliff.
 
"Lauren's vision for the program, dedication to developing student-athletes both on and off the court, and passion for the game have a great alignment with our Charger values," said Dr. Matthew Draud, President of Briar Cliff University. "We look forward to seeing the positive impact she will have on our volleyball program and our campus community."
 
Joining Boatman on staff will by Briar Cliff alum and current admissions counselor at Briar Cliff, Brady Van Dusen. Van Dusen brings 11 years of high school coaching experience to the role and for the last four years served as Coach Boatman's top assistant.
 
"Brady and I are excited to get to work!" said Lauren Boatman, Head Coach of Charger Volleyball. "We are looking forward to the new experiences and challenges that are a part of college athletics."
 
Charger Athletics also have promoted Head Athletic Trainer Kelsie Colfack to Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance, Senior Woman Leader for Charger Athletics, and Head Baseball coach Corby McGlauflin to Assistant Athletic Director for Internal Operations. Colfack and McGlauflin will continue to serve their current roles.
 
"I am extremely excited to promote Kelsie and Corby to additional leadership positions in the Athletic Department," said Jager. "Both have proven records of success, and both truly love BCU and care for developing the whole student-athlete. I appreciate their willingness to serve in these roles and help provide a top-notch experience for our students."