Head Coach Abby Walton
E-mail: amonson2@carleton.edu
Phone: 507-222-5675
Abby Walton is entering her fourth season at the helm of the Carleton College volleyball program in 2025.
In her third season in Northfield, Walton led the Knights to the most program wins (13) since the 2016-17 season. In a season that saw much improvement from a year ago, the Knights finished the season 13-13 overall and 4-7 in conference play. Walton is responsible for a heightened energy around the program since her arrival in 2022. Walton had a program-changing win in front of a raucous crowd at West Gym in the 2023 season. The Knights came from behind in the fifth set to win a thriller over cross-town rival St. Olaf College. This win forever edged Walton and the Knights history by bringing "The Bell" (the traveling trophy between the two programs) back to the east side of the river for the first time since 2017, ending a six-year winless streak against the cross-town rival. Prior to Carleton, Walton had seven years of experience in the Big Ten conference, three seasons as a graduate assistant coach (2017-2020), and four years of playing experience at Michigan State University (2014-17).
Walton coached for three years as an graduate assistant coach at Michigan State under head coach Cathy George. In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Walton also served as the social media coordinator and assisted with recruiting.
Prior to her time on staff at MSU, she played for the Spartans, and was a four-year letter winner as a libero/defensive specialist. She appeared in 117 matches for the Spartans during her collegiate career. Walton finished her 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. In her career, MSU finished with an overall record of 84-48 and helped MSU to four straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the 2017 Elite Eight, the second-best finish in program history. While living in Michigan, Walton 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.
Upon returning to her home state, Walton coached for Northern Lights Volleyball Club in Burnsville, Minn., the same club program that she played for while growing up. Walton 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.
She holds two degrees from Michigan State University, earning a bachelor's degree in Advertising Management in 2018 and a master's degree in Education in Sport Coaching and Leadership 2020.
Abby and her husband, Matt, live in Lakeville with their son, Brooks and dog, Bentley.
Assistant Coach: Luke Lopez
Luke Lopez, who joined Carleton College as an assistant volleyball coach in July 2024, quickly proved to be a pivotal addition to the Knights' coaching staff. Lopez's expertise lies in middle blocker development, team blocking schemes, and comprehensive scouting.
Lopez brings nine years of coaching experience across both collegiate and club levels. Before arriving at Carleton, he spent a season with Pierce College (2016-17) and five seasons with Minnesota Select (2017-21).
His recent club experience includes a significant impact with Northern Lights Volleyball Club. Currently, Lopez serves as the head coach for the Boys 15-1 and Girls 16-Red teams, continuing his leadership with the club. Additionally, in 2025, Lopez assumed the head coaching role for the Eagan Boys High School Volleyball program, where he guided them to an impressive 21-9 record and a third-place finish in their conference.
Prior to his tenure at Carleton, Lopez held various positions with Minnesota Select Volleyball Club from 2017-21. This period overlapped with three seasons as a coach at Rogers (Minn.) High School. He also played a key role in establishing the White Bear Lake (Minn.) High School boys' program in 2023. In the same year, he joined Northern Lights Volleyball Club, where he was a staff member for the 16-Black team that secured a fifth-place finish at the 2024 AAU national tournament.
Lopez completed his bachelor's degree at Concordia-St. Paul in 2024 and is currently working on his master's degree at Concordia-St. Paul in Sports Administration.
Assistant Coach: Ida Steingas
Ida Steingas joined the Carleton College volleyball program as an assistant coach in July 2024, immediately bolstering the Knights' offensive capabilities. Steingas specializes in pin attacker development and offensive schemes.
An AAU All-American during her playing days, Steingas was a four-year letterwinner at UW-La Crosse, where she made two appearances in the NCAA Tournament in 2015 and 2016.
Steingas brings seven years of coaching experience from both the club and high school levels. Her coaching journey began as an assistant at West Salem (Wis.) High School (2016-17), followed by stints with the Minnesota Freeze and Minnesota North club programs.
Since 2022, Steingas has been a prominent coach at Northern Lights Volleyball Club in Burnsville, Minn. She was part of the staff for the 16-Black team that placed fifth at the 2024 AAU national tournament. This season, her 16-Black team has had an impressive run, taking 3rd at the Northern Lights Qualifier and winning the Asics Show Me Qualifier, which secured them a bid to the USAV Nationals in Dallas this July. Currently, her 16-Black team is ranked #1 at the AAU National Championship in their division.
Steingas earned her bachelor's degree in exercise sports science from UW-La Crosse in 2017 and completed her master's degree in occupational therapy from the College of St. Scholastica in 2021.
