CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Former Kohawk April Elsbernd has been named the next head volleyball coach at Coe College, Steve Cook, the Director of Athletics and Recreation announced today. 
 
"We are thrilled to welcome back April to the Coe College Family. Her passion, leadership and commitment to excellence makes her an excellent addition to our coaching staff and program," said Cook. "Coach April's familiarity with the Kohawk way will provide her a path for success on and off the court and I look forward to her stamping her own mark on Coe Volleyball. Our players, athletic staff and college community are excited for April to return to Cedar Rapids and anticipate great things from her and the Kohawks." 
 
Elsbernd joins Coe directly from Augsburg University where she was the head coach for the 2024 campaign. Prior to her stint at Augsburg, Elsbernd was the head coach at the University of Dubuque from 2009-2024, becoming the winningest coach in program history during her time. She helped UD to a pair of NCAA Regional Tournament appearances in 2018 and 2019 as well as an American Rivers Conference Championship in 2023. 
 
"When I first got into collegiate coaching, it was my dream to eventually return to Coe, the community that had such an impact on my young life." Elsbernd said. "I'm extremely grateful to Steve Cook and the search committee for the opportunity to lead the Kohawk Volleyball program at this point in my career. I'm eager to get in the gym with this talented group of young women, who are extremely focused on their goals and want to continue playing at a high level in conference and in the region. I'm excited to start building relationships with recruits, student-athletes, families and friends in order to build on the success that this program has had in previous years."
 
A 2003 graduate of Coe, Elsbernd brings a familiarity of the college, the conference and the region to the Kohawk program. Coach April served as a Student Athlete Advisory Committee advisor (2009-2015) and a National Girls and Women in Sports Day Camp committee member while also acting on numerous Diversity & Inclusion panels. Elsbernd also headed numerous international travel trips during her coaching stints, taking Augsburg on a Brazil tour in January while traveling to Spain, Portugal and Costa Rica during her time at UD. 
 
#KohawkNation #TalonsOut
Visit https://kohawkathletics.com/ for complete coverage of Coe College Athletics
Like Coe College Athletics on Facebook
Follow @CoeAthletics on X
Follow @CoeAthletics on Instagram
Coe Athletics Mobile App - Android | iPhone