APPLETON, Wis. -- Meg Grose is the new leader of the Lawrence University volleyball program, Director of Athletics Jason Imperati announced today.
    Grose, a native of Peoria, Ariz., was chosen as the team's head coach after a national search. 
    "I want to thank Jason and the hiring committee for the opportunity to join the Lawrence community," Grose said. "I am beyond excited to be a part of the Lawrence family. Throughout the hiring process there was such a big sense of community that made it feel like the right fit. When I got to campus, I knew it was the right place."
    Grose comes to Lawrence from New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, N.M., where she has served as the team's assistant coach since July 2020. Grose spent two seasons (the 2020 season was lost to the pandemic) with the Cowgirls, who compete in the NCAA Division II ranks. 
    "Throughout the interview process Meg showed a readiness to take on this next chapter in her coaching career as the new leader of our volleyball program," Imperati said. "Meg is passionate about the game of volleyball, but more importantly, she is committed to the growth of our student-athletes in the classroom and in the community. She is a tremendous addition to the staff, and we cant wait to have her on campus each and every day."
    While at New Mexico Highlands, Grose's duties included serving as the team's offensive coordinator and coaching the setters. Grose helped oversee a 10-win improvement for New Mexico Highlands during the 2021 season and led the recruitment efforts that saw six student-athletes sign on with the Cowgirls for the 2022 campaign.
    Prior to her time at New Mexico Highlands, Grose was a graduate assistant coach at Southern Arkansas University, a NCAA Division II school in the Great American Conference. She served on the coaching staff of the Muleriders for the 2018 and 2019 seasons while working on an advanced degree. Grose graduated from Southern Arkansas with a Master's degree in special education in May 2020.
    Grose said a priority with the Vikings will be to get to know the current players and see their abilities first-hand.  
    "I cannot wait to build those bonds and get an established culture with the current players and start working with the team on the court," Grose said.
    Grose was a standout college and prep player prior to joining the coaching ranks.
    Grose was a four-year starting setter for Peru State College, a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics institution in Nebraska. A two-team team captain for the Bobcats, Grose ranks in the top 10 in program history in both career assists and service aces. A two-time NAIA Daktronics Scholar Athlete, Grose graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education in 2018.
    Grose was a star setter for Peoria High School and earned all-state, all-section and all-district honors during her prep career.
    "I am excited and ready to get to work," Grose said. "I want to continue to attract student-athletes who will be successful in the classroom and on the court and leave a positive impact on the program."