I want to thank Athletic Director Jeff Swenson, former Assistant Athletic Director Marilyn Pearson Florian, and President Paul Pribbenow for hiring me nearly 15 years ago. As the head volleyball coach, I have been fortunate to work for and alongside the most driven, supportive, and authentic group of people. There are so many great volleyball memories & athletic achievements that are worth noting. Still, the relationships with the student-athletes, alums, assistant coaches, Augsburg co-workers, and MIAC colleagues are what I will cherish forever.
To my former student-athletes: Thank you for choosing Augsburg and our volleyball program. Thank you for all the work you put into your self-improvement and the program's success. Thank you for the grace you gave our coaching staff when we didn't get it right, and for always trusting us to move our program forward. Thank you for returning to cheer us on and support future teams. Being your coach and included in your personal lives is the most incredible honor.
To my former assistant coaches: You are the best group of coaches and friends I could have ever imagined working alongside. Seeing many of you moving forward to lead your volleyball programs has been a privilege. The laughter we had in the office, on travel trips, and out recruiting are some of my favorite memories. Coaching with people who become dear friends is one of the greatest gifts this profession offers, and I have been the luckiest in knowing you all.
To Marilyn & the Auggie Alumnae: Thank you for welcoming me into the Auggie volleyball family with open arms and supporting me every step. Without your continued support, we would not have been able to travel internationally, build a beautiful locker room, or provide our student-athletes with the first-class experience we pride ourselves on.
To my Augsburg colleagues: Your dedication to the student-athletes at Augsburg is an inspiration; you have challenged and motivated me along the way, and I have nothing but gratitude for your friendship.
To President Pribbenow: Thank you for believing in me, supporting my career here as a coach, and allowing my family to find more balance as the Director of Community Engagement. I know how rare it is to have a president attend as many matches as you did, and I am more grateful than you will ever know.
To Jeff Swenson: You are a leader that I have always aspired to emulate. Your passion, work ethic, positive energy, and willingness to take risks for greatness were contagious and what inspired me to push myself as a coach. Thank you for being my boss and my friend.
To Colleen Enrico: You were part of my first recruiting class to Augsburg and have been by my side as a player or coach for 14 of my 15 years. You have taught me so much about how to be a good friend, coach, mom, and human. I appreciate your friendship, loyalty, dedication, and passion for Augsburg volleyball. Thank you for leading the team this past year while I was on leave and for always putting the program first; Auggie is so lucky to have you on our side.
I would have never expected this job to turn into the second family that it has; I will forever miss my daily interactions as an Auggie, but I will always support and cheer for this athletic department and University. I am excited to support the new head volleyball coach and know that this program will continue to succeed.
All my best, Auggies, Coach Jane.
