Lauren “Lo” Herseth took the reins of the program in December of 2025. Prior to this promotion, Herseth served at the Associate Head Coach and assisted the Wildcats in reaching the NCAA West Region Tournament every year since joining the staff in 2020.
The 2025 season was another historic year for the Wildcats. The team claimed a share of the GNAC title with a 14-4 conference record. On the season, the ‘Cats finished 19-8 including 6 wins over ‘Top 25’ teams and a thrilling 5-set win over #14 ranked Simon Fraser in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. The team ultimately fell short to Fresno Pacific University in a 5 set battle during the second round, but the future is bright as the team will return key players for the 2026 season.
In 2024, the ‘Cats went 18-7 overall and 16-2 in conference play. The season was highlighted early on with strong victories over San Francisco State, and Cal Poly Pomona – who both finished the season in the top ten of the AVCA Division II National Poll. The 'Cats opened conference play with a seven-game winning streak. Their two losses during the season were to Simon Fraser on Oct. 17, and Seattle Pacific on Oct. 24. Central shook off the losses and hit another streak – winning eight straight games to close the season and claim its first GNAC title in 19 years. Central then made their 12th-straight tournament appearance as the fifth-seed.
Since joining the staff, the Wildcats have produced:
- NCAA D2 Tournament Appearances – 5x
- GNAC Champions – 2x (2024, 2025)
- AVCA D2 All-Americans – 9 selections
- D2CAA All West Region – 6 selections
- GNAC Academic Champions – 4x
- GNAC All Conference – 25 selections
- GNAC Preseason Player of the Year – Tia Andaya (2023)
- GNAC Defensive Player of the Year – Hannah Stires (2021, 2024)
- GNAC New Comer of the Year – Tia Andaya (2021)
- GNAC Freshman of the Year – Kailey Willsey (2025)
A former Wildcat, Herseth competed for the program in 2011-2014 and contributed to three NCAA appearances. She finished her career ranked in the program history’s top ten for both sets and matches played, and currently holds the CWU record for reception percentage. Herseth was a team captain and a three-time GNAC All-Academic member while majoring in Physical Education and School Health.
Herseth also participated on the Women’s Basketball team in the 2013-2014 season. She was very involved with athletics and served as the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) President for three years. After graduation, Herseth began her teaching and coaching career in Olympia, WA.
Started at CWU:
February 2020
Experience:
2025-Present: Central Washington University -- Head Volleyball Coach
2024-2025: Central Washington University -- Associate Head Volleyball Coach
2020-2023: Central Washington University -- Assistant Volleyball Coach
2019: Olympia High School (Olympia, WA) – Assistant Volleyball Coach
2016-2018: Saint Martin’s University (Lacey, WA) -- Assistant Volleyball Coach
Education:
Central Washington University, 2019 -- M.S. Athletic Administration
Central Washington University, 2015 -- B.S. Physical Education & School Health
Olympia High School (WA), 2011
Hometown:
Olympia, Wash.
