Sioux City, Iowa — Briar Cliff University Athletics has ushered in a new era of volleyball with the appointment of Lauren Boatman as the Head Coach of Charger Volleyball. Boatman, a Sioux City native, is returning to her roots after an impressive tenure as the head coach at Bishop Heelan Catholic School, where she left a lasting legacy. Her appointment has been met with excitement by the Briar Cliff community, with many anticipating the success she will bring to the program.
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A Rising Star in Coaching
Lauren Boatman’s volleyball journey has been one of both passion and success. Her recent accomplishments at Bishop Heelan Catholic School make her an ideal candidate to lead the Charger Volleyball team. In 2024, she guided the Bishop Heelan Crusaders to the Iowa Class 4A State Championship, capping off a remarkable season with a record of 44-3. Boatman’s expertise was further acknowledged when she was named the Class 4A Coach of the Year. This recognition came after she led the Crusaders to multiple successful seasons, showcasing her ability to foster talent and drive teams to excel at the highest levels.
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Boatman’s coaching career is marked by a commitment to player development both on and off the court. Her success in leading the Crusaders to the state championship reflects her deep understanding of the game and her strategic approach to coaching. Her passion for volleyball is matched by her dedication to student-athletes, making her an excellent fit for the culture at Briar Cliff University, which places a strong emphasis on developing well-rounded individuals.
A Legacy of Excellence
Boatman’s credentials extend far beyond her coaching career. Before becoming a coach, she was a standout athlete herself, carving a name for herself at the University of Iowa. During her time as a student-athlete, Boatman was a force to be reckoned with on the volleyball court. Over the course of her career, she earned four varsity letters and finished with 1,087 career kills, ranking 15th on the University of Iowa’s all-time list. Boatman’s skills as an outside hitter were crucial to the Hawkeyes’ success, and she led the team in kills during her final three seasons. Her leadership and tenacity were instrumental in establishing her as one of the top players in the program’s history.
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In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Boatman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History with a minor in Sport Studies from the University of Iowa. Her educational background complements her coaching philosophy, as she emphasizes not only athletic performance but also academic achievement and personal growth. Boatman’s connection to Briar Cliff runs deep, as her mother, Deborah, played both volleyball and basketball at the university. This familial bond with Briar Cliff adds a personal touch to her return to the school and to the athletic program that her family holds dear.
A Vision for the Future
Lauren Boatman’s appointment as head coach of the Charger Volleyball team represents a new chapter for Briar Cliff Athletics. Her vision for the program aligns perfectly with the university’s commitment to excellence, integrity, and student development. Boatman’s leadership is expected to elevate the volleyball program to new heights, building upon the foundation laid by previous coaches and players. Tim Jager, the Executive Director of Athletic Operations at Briar Cliff, expressed his enthusiasm about Boatman’s arrival, stating, “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. I look forward to Lauren’s leadership taking the BCU volleyball program to a new level in the upcoming years.”
Dr. Matthew Draud, the President of Briar Cliff University, also praised Boatman’s appointment, emphasizing her ability to develop student-athletes both athletically and personally. He noted, “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. We look forward to seeing the positive impact she will have on our volleyball program and our campus community.”
A Strong Support System
Boatman will not be taking on this leadership role alone. She will be joined by Brady Van Dusen, a Briar Cliff alum and current admissions counselor, who will serve as her assistant coach. Van Dusen brings a wealth of experience to the coaching staff, having spent over a decade coaching at the high school level. Notably, he has served as Boatman’s top assistant at Bishop Heelan Catholic School for the past four years. Their partnership promises to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Briar Cliff volleyball program.
Reflecting on the new chapter ahead, Boatman expressed her excitement about working alongside Van Dusen and tackling the challenges of college athletics. “Brady and I are excited to get to work! We are looking forward to the new experiences and challenges that are a part of college athletics,” she said.
Growth and Leadership Across the Department
Briar Cliff University’s athletic department is also experiencing growth and change. In addition to Boatman’s appointment, several staff members have been promoted to new leadership positions. Kelsie Colfack, the head athletic trainer, has been promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and Senior Woman Leader for Charger Athletics. Meanwhile, Corby McGlauflin, the head baseball coach, has been promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Internal Operations. Both Colfack and McGlauflin will continue to serve in their current roles, contributing to the department’s continued success.
Tim Jager highlighted the importance of these leadership changes, stating, “I am extremely excited to promote Kelsie and Corby to additional leadership positions in the Athletic Department. 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.”
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Charger Volleyball
The future of Charger Volleyball is poised for greatness under the leadership of Lauren Boatman. With her wealth of experience as both a player and coach, as well as her dedication to the development of student-athletes, she is well-positioned to lead the program to new heights. The Briar Cliff community, from students and faculty to alumni and supporters, eagerly anticipates the success that lies ahead for the volleyball program under Boatman’s guidance.
With a clear vision, a commitment to excellence, and a strong support system, the Charger Volleyball team is ready to make its mark on the collegiate volleyball landscape. As the team embarks on this exciting new chapter, there is no doubt that Lauren Boatman will lead them with passion, determination, and a drive for success both on and off the court.
For those eager to stay up to date with the latest in Briar Cliff Athletics, including the Charger Volleyball team, be sure to follow the university’s news and sports updates. The best is yet to come for Charger Volleyball, and the journey begins now.
