University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Janae McDonnell Elevated to Associate Head Coach
8/26/2026 2:30:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
GREELEY, Colo. - Northern Colorado Volleyball has announced the promotion of Janae McDonnell to associate head coach, recognizing her significant contributions to the continued success of the Bears program.
Since joining head coach Lyndsey Oates's staff, McDonnell has helped lead Northern Colorado to 85 victories, two Big Sky Conference Tournament championships and multiple postseason appearances.
In 2022, the Bears won 22 matches, captured the Big Sky Tournament championship and earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Northern Colorado followed with back-to-back NIVC appearances in 2023 and 2024, advancing to the NIVC Fab Four in 2024.
The Bears returned to the top of the Big Sky in 2025, winning the conference tournament and earning another automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
"Janae has certainly earned this promotion. She does so much for our program as our lead recruiter and trainer. She has been instrumental in our success over the last five years" said Head Coach, Lyndsey Oates.
Throughout her tenure, McDonnell has played a big role in developing the Bears and establishing a culture of success both on and off the court.
FOLLOW THE BEARS: Fans can follow and stay up to date on all the Bear action online and on social media. Follow the Bears on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsVB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsVB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsVB).
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Since joining head coach Lyndsey Oates's staff, McDonnell has helped lead Northern Colorado to 85 victories, two Big Sky Conference Tournament championships and multiple postseason appearances.
In 2022, the Bears won 22 matches, captured the Big Sky Tournament championship and earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Northern Colorado followed with back-to-back NIVC appearances in 2023 and 2024, advancing to the NIVC Fab Four in 2024.
The Bears returned to the top of the Big Sky in 2025, winning the conference tournament and earning another automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
"Janae has certainly earned this promotion. She does so much for our program as our lead recruiter and trainer. She has been instrumental in our success over the last five years" said Head Coach, Lyndsey Oates.
Throughout her tenure, McDonnell has played a big role in developing the Bears and establishing a culture of success both on and off the court.
FOLLOW THE BEARS: Fans can follow and stay up to date on all the Bear action online and on social media. Follow the Bears on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsVB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsVB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsVB).
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