Lantagne Named to Start Hurricane Volleyball Program
Sept. 12, 2000
Coral Gables, FL – University of Miami athletic director Paul Dee announced the hiring of Nicole Lantagne as head coach of the Hurricanes’ new volleyball program. Lantagne comes to Miami after serving as an assistant coach at Texas A&M since 1997.
“Nicole has been around volleyball all her life,” said Dee. “Her national contacts and enthusiasm will be tremendous assets in recruiting top caliber athletes to the University of Miami. I am confident that she will meet the challenges that come with starting a new program.”
During her three seasons at Texas A&M, the Aggies finished ranked in the Top 20 each year, while qualifying for the NCAA Tournament. Last year A&M advanced to the elite eight of the Tournament, compiling a 28-6 record and No. 9 final ranking.
“I would like to thank Paul Dee for giving me this opportunity to come to the University of Miami and build its volleyball program from scratch,” said Lantagne. “With the academic reputation of the university the infra-structure is in place to build a successful program. I am anxious to embark on the challenge.”
Lantagne played at the University of Maryland from 1990-93. As the starting setter she guided the Terrapins to an Atlantic Coast Conference Championship and NCAA berth in 1990. She was named an Academic All-American in 1993, and garnered first-team All-ACC honors in ’92 and ’93. Lantagne finished her career as Maryland’s all-time assists, digs, and matches played leader.
Lantagne began coaching in 1994 as an assistant on the Maryland staff before becoming a graduate assistant coach at Ohio University in 1995.
A native of San Diego, CA, Lantagne’s family operates a highly regarded volleyball recruiting service. Lantagne earned her BA in business marketing from the University of Maryland in 1994, and a MS in athletic administration from Ohio University in 1996.
The Hurricanes will begin competition with a regional schedule in 2001 before joining the BIG EAST Conference in 2002.
