Another month, another twist in the NCAA volleyball world—this time, it’s Creighton fans wiping away the shock. Just a day ago, Kirsten Bernthal Booth pulled off the surprise play of the season, stepping away from her 22-year reign as Creighton’s head coach “to pursue opportunities outside of coaching,” as the school’s official release gently put it. But Booth’s not ghosting the squad completely—she’ll still be around, lifting the program through fundraising and outreach.
As Booth put it herself, “After 22 unforgettable years as the head coach of Creighton volleyball, I am stepping down with a heart full of gratitude.” And in case the sudden exit had the rumor mill spinning—was she sick? Was she pushed out?—Booth’s got an answer. Nope, nothing shady. In fact, she’s on to something exciting.
Lincoln Arneal hopped on X on April 7 and dropped the tea that cleared the fog once and for all. “Kirsten Bernthal Booth said she is not sick, wasn’t forced out at Creighton and isn’t retiring.” Yep, that’s straight from the source—no drama, no scandal, just a bold new chapter. Turns out, Booth is stepping into something bigger with League One Volleyball (LOVB), not on the court but behind the scenes, ready to shake things up from the administrative side.
The goal? “To work to make professional volleyball more accessible to more young women and girls.” Lincoln also let fans in on the deeper side of Booth’s volleyball decision—the one that hits after a few birthdays and big-life questions. “Booth said after turning 50 she questioned her career path of continuing coaching or changing it up. She was approached by several pro teams, and LOVB got serious.”
Kirsten Bernthal Booth said she is not sick, wasn’t forced out at Creighton and isn’t retiring.
She is joining League One Volleyball (LOVB) on the administration side to work to make professional volleyball more accessible to more young women and girls.
— Lincoln Arneal (@Lincoln_VB) April 7, 2025
Lincoln continued, “The offer had been on the table for a few months. Her role is fluid right now and will be determined as she goes.” So, no set-in-stone titles, just vibes and vision—for now. One thing’s for sure, Booth may be off the Creighton bench, but she’s still playing to win.
This story is developing…
The post Former Creighton Coach Makes Pro Volleyball Announcement as Sudden NCAA Retirement Raised Concerns appeared first on EssentiallySports.