Jeffrery Van Lannen will become the newest addition to the women’s volleyball program as the head coach for the 2024 season. He has high aspirations to elevate the program within the Midwest conference.
An expert of the game, Van Lannen comes to Lawrence after serving as the technical specialist at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, one of the best teams in women’s volleyball that advanced to the NCAA Division 1 Final Four in the fall of 2023.
Van Lannen is from Pulaski, Wisc. He graduated from UW-Stevens Point in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education/fitness. He later earned a master’s degree in education leadership at UW-Oshkosh in 2003.
When asked “Why Lawrence?”, Van Lannen responded, “I’ve lived in the area for many years, and Appleton is my home. Last season I was with the Badgers in Madison. Just like any recruit, it is about fit. [UW-Madison] is an amazing program and walking onto the court in the Final Four was a dream, but being a head coach collegiately is the goal, and for my family and me Lawrence is an ideal fit.”
Before coaching at the collegiate level, Van Lannen spent 25 years working in public education as a principal and associate principal. He coached nine seasons at Kaukauna High School and compiled more than 300 victories. Furthermore, he spent eight years as an associate director and coach at Fox Cities Elite Volleyball Club. During his last three seasons at the club, Van Lannen’s teams earned top-three finishes at the USA Volleyball National Championships.
Van Lannen is determined to continue winning at Lawrence. “We want to win championships just like every other team and program across the country,” said Van Lannen. “We are no different. High-quality teaching and learning is our approach to getting those results, just like everyone else at Lawrence. We want to be great students in the classroom as well as in the athletic arenas we practice and play in.”