ALAMOSA, Colo.— After 18 years and over 480 volleyball matches on the bench as the head coach, Adams State University Head Coach Lindy Mortensen has announced her retirement, according to Athletic Director Katelyn Smith.
Mortensen finishes her career with a 226-258 (.467) overall record. Coach Mortensen's 18-year stint is the longest in Grizzly history. Of the other nine coaches in Grizzly history, the only other coach to sever more than four seasons was Vivan Frausto, who had a 178-245 (.421) record, at 12 seasons, from 1980-83 and 1985-96.

"Coach Mortensen has been an integral part of this department and this program for the past 18 years," said Athletic Director Katelyn Smith. "She has made a lasting impact on this program and her success here at Adams State will forever be remembered. Her dedication and commitment to Adams State will be greatly missed and we wish her the absolute best on this next chapter."

Mortensen has appeared in 11 RMAC Tournament appearances out of 18 years, and had a NCAA Tournament berth. She was recognized in 2017 as the most winningest coach in ASU history. Mortensen claimed her first collegiate head coaching win on Aug. 26, 2005 against Southwestern Oklahoma State. In 2021, Mortensen saw her squad sweep then-No. 1 Angelo State inside Plachy Hall.

"I would like to first thank Dr. Jeff Geiser for offering me this opportunity to coach at the collegiate level 18 years ago.  His words of wisdom and support had made a positive impact on me in my early years," said Coach Mortensen. "I also want to thank my husband, Wade, and my family who could not have been more supportive of me in this position."

The national tournament berth was the first for the Grizzlies in the sport. Mortensen also led several players including four All-Americans and two ASU Hall of Famers.

"I love Adams State! Many thanks to the Adams State and Alamosa communities for their support of our volleyball program.  We definitely have one of the loudest and largest crowds in the conference.  Thank you to the host families we've had over the years. I also appreciate all of our assistant coaches, trainers, other ASU coaches, staff, and administrators.  I appreciate the other RMAC volleyball coaches – a very classy group whom I consider friends," said Mortensen "Last, but definitely not least, is a big thank you to the players that I've had the pleasure to coach over the past 33 years that I truly have a love and deep respect for.  I call them the "rare athletes" – great people, competitors, and students!"

Prior to taking the reins of the Grizzly program, Mortensen had guided the Montezuma-Cortez High School Panthers to six straight Southwestern League titles and a perfect 60-0 league record from 1999-2004.  The feat is even more amazing, considering the 4A Panthers competed in a mostly Class 5A league.

"I will always wish Adams State Volleyball the very best.," said Mortensen. "I know that Katelyn, our Athletic Director, has a plan to find the most experienced coach and best fit possible for ASU volleyball."

Smith also noted that a nationwide search for Adams State's 11th Head Coach will commence immediately.