After career-ending injury, Vogl returns to WMU volleyball in a brand new position

By Ryan Loren

Western Herald

Former volleyball star Ashley Vogl returned to Western Michigan University as director of Volleyball Operations, a newly created position, after a serious knee injury ended her college career at the start of the 2008 season.

Vogl suffered an ACL tear in her knee during a Sept. 8 match, her third such injury in her career.

Her injury left her 28 kills short of 1,000 in her career, as well as 67 blocks and 28 block assists away from spots on WMU’s top-10 all-time lists.

“I would be lying if I said that those were goals I wasn’t really trying to achieve,” Vogl said. “But I think that not being able to play was a bigger killer.”

Vogl continued to be a vocal leader on the team, but her focus shifted to finishing her undergraduate elementary education degree.

Then in January, head coach Colleen Munson received permission from WMU Athletic Director Kathy Beauregard to create the position of director of Volleyball Operations.

Munson immediately approached Vogl to fill the position.

“She was a natural selection having just graduated,” Munson said. “It’s going to be a natural transition.”

Vogl’s presence will help alleviate the responsibilities of the coaching staff, allowing them to focus on needs and training of the team.
Her responsibilities include organization of summer volleyball camps, administration of volleyball’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, overseeing the affairs of the Spiker’s Club as well as various marketing, event organization and community service programs.

During her first summer in the role, the coaches have helped smooth her transition from a player.

“You’re not necessarily physically performing, but you’re still expected to perform to the best of your ability,” Vogl said.

Vogl was twice named to the All-MAC Second Team in 2006 and 2007. She was also a two-time Academic All-MAC honoree, graduating with a 3.64 GPA. Vogl will return to WMU to pursue her graduate degree in Communication.

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Posted by heraldstaff on Jul 24 2009. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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