Lake Forest College Sports Information
November 7, 2007
Contact: Mike Wajerski, SID

Beth Pier Resigns after 14 Years as Foresters’ Head Volleyball Coach
Pier finishes with 252-157 record and five conference championships

Beth Pier
LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Lake Forest College Head Volleyball Coach Beth Pier announced Wednesday (November 7) that she is resigning after 14 years at the helm of the program. After a total of 20 years in the profession, Pier has chosen to pursue opportunities outside of coaching. A national search will begin immediately to fill the open position.

Pier posted an overall record of 252-157 and a Midwest Conference mark of 66-28 during her tenure at the College. Her teams claimed conference championships in 1997, 1999-2001, and 2003 and advanced to the NCAA Division III Tournament following each of their last four league titles. Pier was named MWC Coach of the Year after each of her team’s championship seasons.

After graduating from St. Norbert College in 1987 and serving as an assistant coach at St. Norbert and Lawrence University a combined six years, Pier was named head volleyball coach at Lake Forest in 1994. She also served as an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team through the 1999-2000 season. Pier won her 100th career volleyball match on October 27, 1999, and became the program’s all-time leader in coaching victories just three days later. She reached 200 wins on September 26, 2004.

Under Pier’s direction, Forester players have earned 42 all-conference selections, including 26 first team distinctions, and four MWC Player of the Year Awards. Nearly every existing school record was established during her time as head coach. “It was a privilege to coach so many talented players who are also fantastic people,” comments Pier. “I am proud of their accomplishments on and off the volleyball court and I truly value my relationships with them.”

Pier also had positive things to say about her overall experience at the College. “My tenure at Lake Forest College has been extremely rewarding and enjoyable,” Pier begins. “I feel fortunate to have found such a wonderful home in my first head coaching position. I’d like to thank Athletic Director Jackie Slaats and the outstanding people in the Forester Athletic Department who made it fun to come to work every day. I’ll miss our camaraderie and I wish my colleagues only the best.”

Slaats returned Pier’s kind words with several of her own. “Beth was one of the first coaches I hired here and turned out to be one of the best,” she states. “I know I speak on behalf of our entire department, her many former players, and the campus community when I express gratitude for all she has done for Lake Forest College. We wish her continued happiness and success.”