North Michigan News

After a five-year playing career and a season as a student assistant, Lauren Van Remortel has been appointed as a full-time assistant coach for Northern Michigan University's volleyball team. Head coach Mike Lozier announced the hiring, expressing enthusiasm about Van Remortel's new role.

"I am so thrilled to be adding Lauren to our staff," Lozier stated. "From the moment she stepped on campus her freshman year, she has had a positive impact on the program, university, and community. I expect that to continue and expand in her new role. She knows what it takes to build a championship program, and I look forward to seeing how she grows in this new role as a coach."

Van Remortel reflected on her transition from player to coach with gratitude. "I can't fully express how much this opportunity means to me," she said. "I'm incredibly grateful to Mike, Kam, and the entire committee for their belief in me and the unwavering support."

During her tenure from 2019-23 with the Wildcats, Van Remortel accumulated 4,506 assists over 124 matches as the team's setter, placing her second all-time in career assists at NMU.

"To have the chance to coach at my alma mater—a place that holds such personal significance—is an incredibly special and full-circle moment," she added. "I'm thrilled to step into this new role and cannot wait to see Vandament packed again this fall. Go 'Cats!"

Hailing from Carmel, Indiana, Van Remortel played a crucial role in leading NMU to both GLIAC regular season and tournament titles during her sophomore year in 2020. That season saw her leading the team with 749 assists across all 17 matches while contributing significantly in other areas.

Her achievements include being named to multiple All-GLIAC teams throughout her career due to consistently high performance levels. Notably, she is among an exclusive group of players who have recorded over 1,000 assists twice during their careers at NMU.

Van Remortel graduated in 2024 with a degree in Elementary Special Education and was recognized four times on the GLIAC All-Academic Excellence Team.