Posted: Feb 10, 2020

Parsons steps down as head coach

After eight seasons Lauren Parsons is stepping down as head coach of the women's volleyball team.

NEWPORT, R.I. – After eight seasons, Lauren Parsons is stepping down as head coach of the Salve Regina University women's volleyball team.

Parsons leaves as the longest tenured and winningest coach (141-94) in program history. Her squads made the postseason in each of her eight seasons, twice reaching the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) final and claimed the 2014 ECAC Championship. In her time as head coach Parsons had 32 players make All-CCC including a Libero of the Year, Senior Scholar Athlete, and won Coach of the Year in 2013.

During her eight years as head coach Parsons has also juggled a full-time job. Trying to maintain that balancing act and provide the best experience for her players was a major factor in her decision to step away.

"Just like my players, I played at the Division III level," said Parsons. "We preach that we are students first and then athletes so for the past eight years I have been the Head Coach at Salve while balancing my full-time job. I have been extremely lucky to be able to balance the two for during that time. Having a career and coaching volleyball has been a dream for me. My job has now grown, and I am not able to balance the two anymore and I will have to step away from coaching for a little while."

While she will no longer be the head coach at Salve Regina, Parsons will not be away from volleyball entirely.

"Volleyball will always be in my life whether I'm coaching or playing. Right now, I am currently involved with a local volleyball club that is in its startup year called SURGE Volleyball Club based in Portsmouth, R.I. This has been a great experience for me to be involved with the youth ages of volleyball. To bring more volleyball opportunities to the Aquidneck Island community and nearby surrounding areas is great and important so we can build a stronger volleyball community for the kids growing up here. Most kids are not introduced to volleyball until High School in this area so to expose them to the game early and then to have to opportunity to continue to play the game year-round is great to see."

As many who have come and gone through Salve Regina's doors have noted, the Seahawks have left a lasting impression on Parsons. One she will never forget and continue to cherish.

"Salve Regina has built another family for me and has been a part of my life for the past nine years," said Parsons. "Being associated with Salve is something special that I will hold dear to my heart and continue to be proud of. The student athletes that I have had the pleasure of getting to know and coach over the years and then continue those relationships as alumni has been very special to me."