FREEPORT — Lindsay Stodden of Freeport will take over Highland Community College’s women’s volleyball program as head coach. Stodden replaces Beth Groshans, who is now a student advisor at the school, and was Highland’s volleyball coach for 19 years.

“We are excited to welcome Coach Stodden to Cougar Nation as our new women’s volleyball coach,” said Pete Norman, Director, Athletics and Physical Education at Highland. “We are very fortunate to have Lindsay take over our volleyball program and continue building a high-quality program. Lindsay has the passion for volleyball that you love to see in a coach, but even more importantly she is the type of high character person that we want to lead our student-athletes. Her ability to relate to her players is outstanding and another tremendous strength of Lindsay’s.” 

Norman also thanked Groshans for her years of success at the school.

“Beth dedicated so much time and energy and love to not only Highland volleyball, but all of Highland athletics and our student-athletes,” Norman said.

Stodden is a graduate of Freeport High School where she played volleyball and softball. She was on the volleyball team when they won the conference in 2008. She has also coached club volleyball for the past seven years. During those years, she coached 14- to 18-year-old players, winning several tournaments. She has also served as the freshman coach for two years at Freeport High School, and as the assistant varsity coach for one year at Freeport High School. Stodden is a Special Education teacher at Lena-Winslow Junior High School.

“I am thrilled to become a Highland Cougar,” Stodden said. “I have always enjoyed following the Highland teams. Coaching at the collegiate level has always been a dream of mine, and now I get to do it in my hometown.”

Stodden says she plans to bring new energy to the program.

“The game is constantly changing and evolving, so as a younger coach, I am very familiar with the current fast pace of the game. I hope to motivate the girls and foster a competitive edge while maintaining a love for the game,” Stodden adds.

The Highland volleyball season will begin with the McHenry Invitational Aug. 21-22 at UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison Street in Rockford, Ill.

For more on Highland Cougar athletics, visit highland.edu/athletics. The fall semester starts on August 16. To get registered, go to highland.edu/new-students or call 815-235-6121.