Nicole Lantagne Welch Named UCSB Women’s Volleyball Coach
Comes from University of Miami with Impressive Record
Nicole Lantagne Welch is coming across the country to coach the women’s volleyball team at UCSB, it was announced by Mark W. Massari, the school’s director of athletics.
Lantagne Welch, the head coach at the University of Miami for the past 12 years, will be introduced at a press conference on February 14. She succeeds Kathy Gregory, who retired in January after 38 seasons as the Gaucho women’s original head volleyball coach.
“I’m thrilled with the hire,” said Gregory, who assisted in the search for her replacement.
“[Lantagne Welch] is one of the hardest workers in volleyball. She built the Miami program and got them into the NCAAs. She’s capable in all aspects of running our program. She wants to be here.”
A native of Encinitas, Lantagne Welch guided Miami to five NCAA Tournament appearances — including the last four in a row and the Sweet 16 in her second season. In 2012, the Hurricanes were 25-6 overall and 17-3 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. She was named ACC and AVCA/East Region Coach of the Year.
