Rockford hires new volleyball coach
ROCKFORD, Ill. -- Rockford College Athletic Director Hank Espensen recently announced the hiring of former Kishwaukee College assistant coach Wil Christiansen as Rockford College’s new head volleyball coach. Christiansen replaces Rodney Pritchett, who led the Regents program for the past two years.

“We are very excited to have Coach Christiansen to lead our volleyball program,” said Espensen after the announcement. “He brings a strong pedigree of coaching, both in the collegiate and club ranks. He will be a great addition to our program and the Rockford College community.”

Christiansen, an IMPACT certified coach, joins the Regents after three extremely successful years at Kishwaukee College. During that time, the Kougars finished in the top 10 in the NJCAA National Tournament three times, including a third place finish in 2004 and a National Championship in 2006. The Kougars have also won an astounding 100 consecutive conference matches since the 1997 season.

“It’s an honor to have my first collegiate head coaching job at Rockford College,” said Christiansen. “Hopefully, with my experience and the support of the Rockford community, we can continue to establish the program as a perennial force in the NAC and the national scene.”

Christiansen is also one of the coaches of the new Quest Volleyball Club, a member of the Club Fusion Volleyball program, which plays at Harlem High School.

A Crystal Lake, IL native, Christiansen graduated from Monmouth College with degrees in mathematics and business administration. He played four years of volleyball before spending two years as an assistant coach for the Fighting Scots women’s volleyball team.

Coach Christiansen will look to improve on the Regents’ 6-22 (5-6 NAC) 2006 campaign, on the strength of All-NAC performer junior Clara Wiersma (Rockton, IL/ Hononegah).

Courtesy of Rockford College, Sports Information Department, June 26, 2007.