MVB: Jeff Vautrin named new head coach

NEWTON, Mass. – The Lasell College athletic department has announced that Jeff Vautrin has taken over as head men's volleyball coach, effective immediately.

A 2017 Lasell graduate and former standout for the Laser men's volleyball team, Vautrin has served as an assistant coach for the Lasers the past two seasons, in addition to one season as an assistant with the Lasell women's team.

"I am happy to announce that Jeff is taking over as head coach of our men's volleyball program," said director of athletics Kristy Walter. "He is one of the top players in the history of our program, and has done an excellent job as an assistant the past two years. He has taken on responsibilities with recruiting, scheduling and other administrative duties, and on the court I think the players have really responded to his leadership."

In addition to his coaching duties at Lasell, Vautrin has served as an assistant coach for the Acton-Boxborough boys' and girls' volleyball programs, helping the teams win conference championships both seasons. He has been involved in coaching club volleyball teams in New England as well.

Vautrin played three and a half seasons for the Lasers from 2014-17, missing the second half of the 2016 season with an injury that granted him an extra year due to a medical hardship. He became just the second player in program history to record 1,000 kills, and finished with 1,064 career kills. Vautrin was a three-time selection to the All-Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Team, including twice on the First Team. He was named to the GNAC All-Tournament Team in 2014, and was a key player on the 2015 Laser squad that captured the GNAC championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.

A native of Chicopee, Mass., Vautrin was also the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) Rookie of the Year and Tournament MVP his freshman year while playing at Elms College before transferring to Lasell.

"I am excited to take over as head men's volleyball coach at Lasell," said Vautrin. "Being able to bring my knowledge and passion for the sport to a program as a head coach has always been a goal of mine, and the fact that Lasell is my alma mater just makes it that much more special."

-- 30 --