JUN. 16 — Former Kansas State Standout To Coach Leafs
2003 Big 12 Player of the Year Lauren Goehring named head assistant coach

Goshen, IN — Goshen head volleyball coach Jewel Lehman announced the appointment of Lauren Goehring to the Leafs’ head assistant coaching position Thursday, giving the program a highly accomplished NCAA Division I leader beginning in the 2005 season. Goehring, a four-year standout middle-hitter at Kansas State University and 2003 Big 12 Player of the Year, assumes the position after Val Hershberger stepped down to second assistant this spring. Working in a management position in nearby Elkhart, Goehring will begin her coaching responsibilities immediately.

“We are fortunate to have such a high level player as a member of the coaching staff here at Goshen College,” Lehman said Thursday. “Lauren Goehring brings a wealth of knowledge, much athletic talent and some previous coaching experience to the program. She has a sound coaching philosophy and wonderful personality that will fit well here in the athletic department at Goshen College.”

Goehring concluded a stellar four-year career at Kansas State in 2003, leading the Wildcats to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and a pair of Sweet Sixteen appearances in her junior and senior seasons. After leading her squad to the 2003 Big 12 Championship, Goehring was named the conference’s player of the year, the only player in Kansas State volleyball history to achieve the honor.

Goehring was one of 12 NCAA Division I players to be named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association First Team All-American following the 2003 season, and was a First Team All-Big 12 member in 2002. In addition to her on-court performance, Goehring was a three-time (2001-2003) Big 12 All-Academic First Team member, and was on the Big 12 Commissioners Honor Role in each of her four seasons as a Wildcat. Boasting a cumulative GPA of 3.64 throughout her collegiate career, Goehring was honored as a Verizon-CoSIDA Academic All-District VII member following both her junior and senior years.

“Lauren is a tough competitor who challenges the athletes she coaches, but at the same time is a very positive leader,” Lehman said. “She is a very cerebral coach who understands and dissects the game well. We couldn’t be more excited to have Lauren on board our staff.”

After Goehring accepted a management position at Dexter Axle Company in Elkhart, her desire to get re-involved with intercollegiate volleyball led her to the Leafs’ program. According to Lehman, Goehring’s interest came at a perfect time, after Hershberger requested a reduction in duties due to other commitments at Goshen College.

“Val Hershberger has been an extremely dedicated assistant coach for the past several years,” said Lehman, who begins her second season at the helm of the Leafs’ program this fall. “She has invested much time and effort into the program, and was instrumental in facilitating a smooth transition between coaches last year. When she agreed to assume more responsibility in athletic administration at the college, we were forced to search for a new head assistant coach. We are extremely pleased to have someone of Lauren Goehring’s background ready to assume that role.”

While it will be Goehring’s first coaching opportunity in the college ranks, it is not her first altogether. Goehring worked as a Kansas State Camp Coach during the final three summers of her college tenure, while also serving as a Kansas State Athletic Ambassador in the summers of 2002-2003. In that role, Goehring educated and promoted Kansas State volleyball to alumni, speaking at various engagements while serving as a liaison for the athletic department.

Goehring will assist in all phases of the Goshen program including opponent scouting, on-floor coaching, recruiting, travel arrangements, statistics, scheduling and directing the conditioning program. Hershberger, who served as the Leafs’ head coach from 1996-2000, will remain on staff in a second assistant coaching position.

Goshen completed the 2004 season with an overall record of 17-15, finishing sixth in the nine-team Mid-Central Conference. Check back to this website for the most up to date off-season news, including recruiting information and upcoming schedules. To contact head coach Jewel Lehman, call her at (574) 535-7658 or click here to send her an email.