Jennifer Lopez Officially Named NDSU Head Volleyball Coach

FARGO, N.D. – Jennifer Lopez was named North Dakota State University’s 12th head volleyball coach in the program’s 54-year history on Monday, Oct. 23. NDSU director of athletics Matt Larsen made the announcement.
 

Lopez has been interim head coach since May 17, 2017 and has directed NDSU to a 15-6 record overall including 6-3 in the Summit League. She was an assistant coach the previous two seasons at North Dakota State.

"During her time as the interim coach over the last five months, Jennifer has demonstrated the ability to lead the volleyball program in every aspect: team preparation, culture, teaching, recruiting, game management, and all other operational aspects of the volleyball program," Larsen said.

"In addition to this, Jennifer exhibits great character, is a role model to her student-athletes, is an incredible competitor, has set high expectations for the program, and most importantly, has created an environment where the young women in the program can grow, learn, make mistakes and enjoy their volleyball experience," Larsen continued.

“I had a strong feeling we had our coach when we named her interim, but the last five months have proven she is incredibly capable to lead our program well into the future.”

Lopez, a native of Glyndon, Minn., was the Summit League Setter of the Year, Player of the Year and Tournament MVP in 2011 as a senior for the Bison. She was a three-time All-Summit League selection, leading NDSU to four straight regular season league titles and three NCAA Tournament appearances from 2008-11.

She returned to NDSU in April 2015 after spending the 2014 season as assistant coach at West Fargo Sheyenne High School and the 2013 season as head coach at Oak Grove Lutheran High School in Fargo. She has also been highly involved in area instructional camps and club volleyball.
 "I want to thank Matt Larsen, Todd Phelps, and President Bresciani for allowing me the opportunity to continue to lead this group of very talented young women here at North Dakota State University," Lopez said.

"I am extremely honored and humbled to be able to be a part of a program that means so much to me, and I look forward to continuing a level of excellence that is Bison Volleyball.," Lopez said.
Lopez ranks among the NDSU all-time top 10 in total assists, assists per set and digs per set. She graduated from NDSU in 2014 with a degree in mathematics education and a minor in coaching.

Lopez was a two-sport standout at Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton High School. She was Minnesota’s Miss Volleyball and Gatorade Player of the Year in 2007 and a three-time all-state selection.