NORTHFIELD, Minn. – Following a national search, Abby Monson has been hired as full-time head coach of the Carleton College volleyball program and faculty member within the Physical Education, Athletic, and Recreation Department, as announced by the school's Athletic Director Gerald Young. Monson's first day at Carleton will be January 17.
 
"We're thrilled to have Abby join the Knights family," Young said. "Her high-level playing and coaching experience combined with a strong commitment to academics, makes her a great fit for Carleton."
 
Monson is a native of nearby Lakeville, Minn., and was a four-year letter winner as a defensive specialist/libero at Michigan State University (NCAA Division I) from 2014-17. She appeared in 117 matches for the Spartans during her collegiate career and helped MSU to four straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the 2017 Elite Eight, the second-best finish in program history. Monson finished her four-year career with 971 career digs (2.70 per set) and 45 service aces. She was the recipient of the MSU Extra Mile Award as a rookie and earned the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award in 2017 as a senior.
 
After her playing career concluded, Monson stayed in Lansing, Mich., and served as a student assistant coach at MSU for the 2018 season, graduating that December with a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising-Management. Monson remained with the Spartans as a Graduate Assistant from Aug. 2019 until Dec. 2020, earning her Master's degree in Education, Sport Coaching and Leadership.
 
"I am extremely honored to be named the Head Volleyball Coach for Carleton College," said Monson. "I would like to thank Athletic Director Gerald Young, Associate Athletic Director Heidi Jaynes, and the hiring committee for making this process enjoyable. As a Minnesota native, I am excited to set up roots back home, and I can't wait to make an immediate impact at such a well-known program.
 
"I am confident in the arsenal of tools that I have developed, and believe that my experiences and perspective on the game have prepared me to excel as a high-level coach. My hope is to guide them to work at the highest level in order to maximize personal and team success and have an incredible experience on the court, in the classroom, and in the community."
 
While living in Michigan, Monson spent time coaching for both the FaR Out Volleyball Club and the Capital Volleyball Club in addition to diversifying her experience by working with the Michigan State Men's Club Volleyball team.
 
Since returning to her home state, Monson has coached for Northern Lights Volleyball in Burnsville, Minn., the same club program that she played for while growing up. Monson was a prep volleyball All-American Honorable Mention and an All-State selection in 2013 as a senior at Lakeville North High School, where she was a two-time Minnesota state champion (2010 and 2012) and runner-up in 2011.