Utah Volleyball Extends Head Coach Beth Launiere Through 2027
Apr 26, 2022, 10:32 AM
Utah head coach Beth Launiere talks with her players during a timeout as the University of Utah takes on Brigham Young University at the Hunstman Center in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. (Adam Fondren, Deseret News)
(Adam Fondren, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY- Utah volleyball head coach Beth Launiere has been a staple for the Utes for 33 years. Tuesday morning, Athletic Director Mark Harlan announced Launiere’s contract will be extended through June of 2027.
Great news for a different program. #Utes are locking up their tried and true coaches this off-season. #GoUtes https://t.co/aIBtagvTCi
— Michelle Bodkin (@BodkinKSLsports) April 26, 2022
Launiere’s career highlights with Utah include six consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and three consecutive third-place finishes in the Pac-12. Launiere holds the record as Utah’s winningest coach of all time with a 623-384 record and has led the Utes to 18 total NCAA Tournament appearances during her storied tenure. In 2019, Launiere was named Pac-12 Coach of the Year after leading the Utes to a 24-10 record and a Sweet 16 berth. It was only the fourth time in school history Utah made the Sweet 16.
Last Season
In 2021, Launiere led Utah volleyball to a 22-9 record. The Utes were also ranked the entire 2021 season in the Top 25. Utah finished third in the Pac-12 with a 14-6 record for the third time in a row. Launiere’s team finished the season number eight in kills per set with 14.25, number 18 in assists per set with 12.87 and number 30 in hitting percentage at .259.
Under Launiere’s watch, Dani Drews blossomed into the most decorated athlete to come through Utah volleyball. Drews became the only Ute in history and just the sixth in the Pac-12 to ever post 2000 kills and 1000 digs in a career. In 2021 Drews became Utah’s all-time leader in kills with 2,268 while also posting 1,104 career digs. Drews finished her career with the Utes as the only four-time AVACA All-American, All-Region, and All-Pac-12 selection in program history. Drews also finished second all-time in the Pac-12 for career kills.
Locked In
Launiere expressed excitement Tuesday morning about being signed on with the Utes for an additional five years.
“The state of Utah, Salt Lake City and the University of Utah are my home and I couldn’t be more excited to continue to be the head coach of a program I love!” Launiere said. “I am proud of Utah Volleyball and the sustained excellence we have been able to achieve in the Pac-12 and nationally, and look forward to continuing on.”
