MIAMI – FIU Athletics has announced the hiring of Lauren DeTurk, as the third FIU Beach Volleyball head coach in program history on Wednesday, announced by FIU Athletic Director Scott Carr.
"I'm incredibly honored to be named the head beach volleyball coach at FIU," exclaimed DeTurk. "From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt a connection, not just to the university, but to Miami as a place I could truly call home. I want to thank Scott, Julie, and the entire hiring committee for believing in me and entrusting me with this program."
DeTurk joins the FIU family after coaching at NAIA-school Saint Katherine from 2020-24, being forced to leave when the university had to close down in 2024 due to financial shortfalls. A California-native, DeTurk led a successful program at USK, going 16-11 in conference play and building the program to a perennial nationally-ranked standing from 2022 thru 2024, ranking in the top-10 all three seasons.
"We're excited to welcome Lauren to the FIU family!" said FIU Director of Athletics Scott Carr. "Along with being a former competitive beach volleyball player, Lauren also has coaching expertise at nearly every level, establishing supportive cultures and environments at every step. We're looking forward to her not only continuing, but ascending, our young and proud beach volleyball program."
The Firebirds were a force to be reckoned with under DeTurk's leadership, winning the California Pacific Conference (CPC) twice during her tenure, first in 2021 and again in 2024. Each year, the team had at least two all-conference selections, along with two CPC Players of the Year, one CPC Pair of the Year, one CPC Newcomer of the Year, and two NAIA All-Americans in her time at USK. In the 2021 season, DeTurk coached the CPC Player of the Year and was honored herself as the CPC Coach of the Year.
The Firebirds ended the 2024 season ranked No. 6 overall in the final NAIA Beach Volleyball National Rankings. USK made the NAIA National Tournament for the first time in program history during the 2024 season, and went on to win one match in pool-play against two-seed Ottawa University - Arizona (3-2), before falling to Arizona Christian in the quarterfinals.
DeTurk started her coaching career in 2011 as an assistant indoor volleyball coach at her alma mater, Northeastern, where she was a standout athlete. DeTurk ended her Husky playing career second on the all-time kills list with 1,330, and was just the sixth player in program history to surpass 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs.
Her performance on the court earned her a CAA Player of the Year honor, First Team All-CAA selection, CAA All-Tournament and AVCA All-East Region Honorable Mention. On top of being an exceptional volleyball player, DeTurk was a feature on the Northeastern Track and Field Team as a javelin thrower.
"I've had the good fortune to coach some exceptional players and Lauren stands out amongst that lofty group," said former head coach of Northeastern volleyball and current head coach at Merrimack, Ken Nichols. "I always thought though, even as she was named player of the year, that she could exceed those accomplishments as a coach. Her relatability and patience, her strong understanding of the game and even stronger love for it, will lead to a great experience for everyone involved. She will endear herself to her players because she has a great and kind soul. FIU, you've made a remarkable hire!"
After her time at Northeastern, DeTurk went on to coach at UMASS - Lowell from 2014-2018 as an assistant indoor volleyball coach for the River Hawks, guiding the program through their transition to Division 1 volleyball.
"One of my top priorities is creating an environment where our student-athletes feel a genuine sense of belonging—where they're empowered to grow as players, teammates, and people," commented DeTurk. "FIU is a university full of opportunities which is what excites me the most. The energy, diversity, and spirit of Miami make it an incredible place to build something meaningful."
Beyond the athletic excellence, DeTurk also emphasized academics. She helped raise the team GPA at UMass Lowell to 3.49. At Saint Katherine's, she helped the team achieve the highest GPA in the California Pacific Conference during the 2024 season. During her time at USK, she coached 10 CPC All-Academic selections, six Academic All-District selections, five NAIA Scholar Athletes and one NAIA Academic All-American.
After her college career ended, DeTurk went on to play indoor volleyball in Switzerland for the Saignelegier club team, and competed on the AVP Pro Tour (9th place highest finish), the National Volleyball League (5th place highest finish) and the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball.
PERSONAL
DeTurk graduated from Northeastern in 2011 with a Bachelors of Science in biology and secondary education where she was on the student athlete advisory committee.
THE LAUREN DETURK FILE
Hometown: Yucaipa, California
Education: Northeastern, 2011 (Biology and Secondary Education)
Birthday: 7/21/1987
LAUREN DETURK COACHING TIMELINE
2011-14: Northeastern Indoor Volleyball Assistant Coach
2014-18: UMASS - Lowell Indoor Volleyball Assistant Coach
2020-24: Saint Katherine Head Beach Volleyball Coach
