Jeff Van Lannen took the reins of the Lawrence University volleyball program in April 2024.
A prominent name in Midwest volleyball, Van Lannen came to Lawrence as its new head coach after serving as the technical specialist on the University of Wisconsin coaching staff.
Van Lannen was part of head coach Kelly Sheffield's Wisconsin staff that led the Badgers to a 30-4 mark and a berth in the NCAA Division I Final Four in fall 2023.
Van Lannen brings a record of championship experience to Lawrence. He spent eight years as an associate director and coach at Fox Cities Elite Volleyball Club in Appleton. In his final three seasons, Van Lannen's teams earned top-three finishes at the USA Volleyball National Championships. Included in that was a 2022 national title by his FC Elite 16 Navy team.
A native of Pulaski, Wis., and graduate of Pulaski High School, Van Lannen spent a quarter-century working in public education, including his final 13 years as a principal or associate principal. He also spent 10 seasons coaching prep volleyball in Wisconsin, nine seasons at Kimberly High School and one at Kaukauna High School, and piled up more than 300 victories. Van Lannen also was recognized in 2023 with the American Volleyball Coaches Association Networks Award, which recognizes coaches who have demonstrated heroic and/or selfless acts while showing leadership at the club, region, community and beyond.
A 1997 graduate of UW-Stevens Point with a bachelor's degree in health and physical education/fitness, Van Lannen earned a master's degree in education leadership and administration from UW-Oshkosh in 2003.
