Head Volleyball Coach Lori Jepsen announces retirement; Stacie Matz promoted
Open gallery
Acting Director of Athletics Mark Pietrok announced the retirement of head volleyball coach Lori Jepsen and the promotion of associate head coach Stacie Matz today.
“We would like to thank Lori for her commitment to the Pioneer Volleyball program over the past 10 years. Her hard work and diligence have been key components in developing a program that we are very proud of,” said Pietrok. “Lori is leaving the program in the capable hands of assistant Stacie Matz. We are excited to watch Stacie lead our program and continue its commitment to excellence. I would like to wish Lori all the best in her future endeavors and will always consider her a friend, mentor, and valued member of the Pioneer family!”
“After 35 years of teaching, coaching, and hopefully inspiring young people, I have decided to retire from a career that has been both amazing and rewarding,” said Jepsen. “I feel like I chose a career that allowed me to pursue my passion for athletics while also helping others. It has been the best!”
Jepsen joined the Pioneers in 2003 after spending 24 years at Pasadena City College, where she accumulated an impressive 347 victories for a .644 winning percentage.
During her 10-year career with the Pioneers, Jepsen took the Pioneers from ninth place in the Northwest Conference to third place, the Pioneers highest conference finish since transitioning to NCAA Division III.
Under Jepsen the Pios have placed two players on the NWC All-Conference First-Team and five on the second-team, while seven players have earned honorable mention.
Despite retiring Jepsen will remain a strong supporter of Lewis & Clark Athletics. “There is no doubt you will see me at the games. The future is bright for the Pioneers!”
The Pioneers are left in good hands with current associate head coach Stacie Matz stepping in for Jepsen.
“Stacie Matz will do a wonderful job as the new head volleyball coach. I am excited for her to get this opportunity,” said Jepsen. “She knows the Northwest Conference and she knows volleyball. She will be a passionate leader for the program and continue to move the Pioneers forward.”
Matz joined the Pioneers during the 2011 season after a successful playing career at NWC powerhouse Pacific Lutheran. During her two-years with the Lutes, Matz won two NWC Championships and made back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
“I have some big shoes to fill but I am excited about the challenge,” said Matz. “I’m so thankful to Lewis & Clark for giving me the opportunity to be a part of its athletic department and put my stamp on this volleyball program.”
The Pioneers are slated to begin the 2013 season on Friday, Aug. 30 at 2:30 p.m. in the Pacific Coast Classic hosted by Pomona-Pitzer. The Pios have added four players to the roster for the upcoming season and are set to return 12 players including NWC Honorable Mention recipient Kataleya Milan.
