Lauren McManus joins Simpson volleyball staff

INDIANOLA, Iowa -- Lauren McManus returns to the Hawkeye State to join Simpson College volleyball head coach Kekailoa Palea's staff as an assistant coach ahead of the 2021 fall campaign.

"I am extremely excited to have Lauren join our staff," said Palea. "Her experience and work ethic will be a great asset to our program."

McManus comes to Indianola following a four-year playing career for NCAA Division I University of Denver as a libero and defensive specialist. She appeared in 70 matches during her time with the Pioneers, tallying 155 digs in 161 sets played. She was named team captain as a senior and was part of a senior class that recorded an 87-21 overall record, while going 53-7 in Summit League action to win the regular season and conference tournament twice. Denver tallied three-straight NCAA Tournament berths during McManus' first three seasons on campus.

"I am thrilled and honored to be named the assistant volleyball coach at Simpson," said McManus. "My goal is to have a lasting impact on the student-athletes at Simpson, just as my coaches throughout my life have had on me. I am looking forward to helping take Simpson volleyball to the next level."

The Waterloo, Iowa native had a stellar prep career at Columbus Catholic High School. McManus landed on the PrepVolleyball.com Top-25 Liberos list in 2017 and tallied four-straight All-Metro selections. She ended as a state runner-up and earned a spot on the All-State Tournament team in 2017. The three-time all-district honoree recorded 1,000 kills during her career en route to being named Rotary Club MVP and All-North Iowa Cedar League First Team as a senior.

In the club scene, McManus was instrumental in leading her squad to a third-place finish at nationals in 2016 and a fifth-place nod in 2015. In addition to her playing career, she has spent time coaching the Club Iowa Juniors.

Away from the gym, McManus showcased her athletic ability on the tennis courts. As a junior and senior, she won a state title in doubles. During her first year with the program, McManus and her partner won the co-ed state title in 2014. As a team, the Sailors won four-straight Class 1A Iowa State Championships.

McManus earned a bachelor's of arts degree from Denver in 2021.