The Eagles' search for a volleyball coach ended on State Street just a few miles south of the Loop Location when Athletic Director Megan Smith Eggert announced former Illinois Tech All-American and assistant coach Lauren Joyce Hensel as the new leader of the Robert Morris Volleyball program.
During her prep career at Queen of Peace High School in Burbank, IL, the Packers won three straight Illinois High School Association sectional titles. Coach Joyce Hensel took her winning ways to IIT where she earned All-Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference status four times. She was a two-time All-American and garnered Scholar-Athlete honors as well. Three-times chosen as the ScarletHawks' Most Valuable Player, she joined the IIT staff upon her graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Professional and Technical Communication. She was the ScarletHawks' Recruiting Coordinator and Assistant Coach.
Her coaching experience includes stints with two of Chicago's premier volleyball clubs, Second City and 1st Alliance. She helped lead 1st Alliance to a tenth-place finish in the Junior Olympics.
"We're excited to have a coach with Lauren's experience," said AD Smith Eggert. "She is also familiar with the CCAC and the recruiting scene in Chicagoland."
Coach Joyce Hensel takes the helm of a program that has failed to reach the CCAC post-season the last four seasons, but has a core of experienced players--including All-CCAC outside hitter Megan Yerkes (Chicago, IL) and CCAC libero Cortney Sweat--and some stellar recruits already in the fold.
"We've got a good base in place," said Coach Joyce Hensel. "If we dedicate ourselves to execution and commit to a winning attitude, we'll get the results we want."
Coach Joyce Hensel lives in Chicago with her husband Brian Hensel.