Oskaloosa–William Penn University Athletics Director Nik Rule has announced the resignation of Jennifer Carlson as Head Volleyball Coach.

Carlson was 42-125 (5-50 conference) during her five-year career as the leader of the program.  The Statesmen were 12-25 this fall (3-16 Heart), highlighted by starting the season with 11 wins in their first 28 matches.

Carlson coached eight all-conference players, nine academic all-conference honorees, and six NAIA Scholar-Athletes over her tenure at William Penn.

“We want to thank Coach Carlson for her efforts in leading the Statesmen volleyball program,” Rule said.  “Being a leader of a college program is more than just coaching games; it is also managing academics and young people. Coach Carlson did a nice job in areas that the public does not see.  In the end, we assessed the future of the program and accepted her resignation, seeing it as an opportunity to establish a fresh direction with the goal of being a leader in the Heart of America Athletic Conference and the NAIA.”

The cupboard is fairly stocked for the future of WPU volleyball.  Junior libero Ashley Miller led the NAIA with 832 digs during the regular season.  The Statesmen also have five underclassmen who posted over 100 kills this year, which accounted for 78% of the squad’s offense.  WPU’s underclassmen recorded 83% of the team’s blocks as well and all three of William Penn’s varsity setters have eligibility remaining.

William Penn will begin a national search for a new head coach immediately.