Former Stratford standout Lauryn Nagel named Newman volleyball coach

WAUSAU – Just a few years ago she was on the other side of the rivalry, now she’s stepping in just in time to lead Newman Catholic into the future.  

Lauryn Nagel, a former Stratford volleyball standout, has taken over the Newman Catholic program, the school confirmed Tuesday by sharing a Facebook post from Wausau Area Sports identifying Nagel as its new coach.

Nagel, a Central Wisconsin native, is a graduate of Stratford, having played and excelled in varsity volleyball for the Tigers. Nagel graduated in 2021, was named second-team All-Marawood South as a sophomore in 2018 and honorable mention in 2019, and was a part of Stratford’s 2018 state run.

Newman had been searching for a new coach throughout the offseason after the program entered August without a head coach.

Newman searching for VB coach: Newman Catholic volleyball still without head coach as season nears

Nagel's hiring comes just days before the start of the 2026 high school volleyball season – with some matches already underway.

When we posted our initial story discussing Newman’s search for a new head coach late into the pre-season, multiple people specifically responded and tagged Nagel in the Facebook post signifying their confidence in her ability to lead the program. 

Now Nagel is set to take over for the Fighting Cardinals on the heels of three consecutive WIAA state tournament runs, replacing long-time Newman Catholic leader and Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Famer Betty Lange. 

With no official announcement yet from Newman outside of the promoted radio appearance set for Wednesday evening, The Daily Herald contacted Newman Catholic athletic director Zach Braun for additional comment about the hire Tuesday.

"That is correct, we hired Lauryn Nagel to be the head coach," said Braun via email. "Only comment would be that we are excited about her coming in to lead the program as she brings a combination of winning energy and coaching ability that we hope will continue to create success within the Newman Catholic volleyball program."

Contact or send game stats/info to Sports Reporter Alfred Smith III at alfred.smith@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @AlfredS_III.

This article originally appeared on Wausau Daily Herald: Former Stratford standout Lauryn Nagel named Newman volleyball coach