Assistant Coach Brian Rosen Named as Creighton’s New Lead

Yesterday, Creighton volleyball made the shocking announcement that Coach Kirsten Bernthal-Booth is stepping down as head coach of the program. After 22 years of coaching in Omaha, this is surprising news as last years Elite 8 appearance was one of Creighton’s best performances to date. The program announced that assistant coach Brian Rosen will be leading the team now. 

Rosen, who won AVCA Assistant Coach of the Year this past season is incredibly excited for the opportunity. In his press conference he said, “We are going to give our incredible Bluejay nation a program that they can be proud to call theirs and we want to continue to work with our support that we have.”

Rosen joined the Bluejays over 3 years ago taking on an assistant coaching role mainly focusing on recruiting. Leaving Fort Lauderdale Florida for -14 degree Omaha winter was certainly a shock Rosen said in his press conference. The last 3 years have been nothing short of incredible for the Jays. For the last three years, “Creighton has combined a record of 88-and-13. The 88 victories is third in the country, only trailing Pittsburgh and Nebraska,” athletic director Marcus Blossom said. 

Coach Booth is positive that Rosen will continue to lead the Bluejays on a trail of success. She seemed incredibly excited for him to take the job and that there is no one she would rather pass the torch to. As Booth said, “Brian has the breadth of experience at various levels that will help him be successful as our next head women’s volleyball coach. He’s been a winner for over 20 years.”

In addition, the players have been expressing their love for both Booth and Rosen on social media. Defensive specialist and sophomore Sydney Breissinger posting, “Can’t think of anyone more deserving” in reference to Rosen. Junior Ava Martin, outside hitter also posted appreciating Coach Booth saying, “The most incredible human, so thankful for everything.” It is safe to say that the women on the team have nothing but love for Coach Booth and are excited to see where Coach Rosen will take the program. 

Speaking of love, during the press conference Coach Booth announced she is going to be taking an administrative role with League One Volleyball (LOVB) and staying with her family in Omaha. “I am honored to have this opportunity and will do everything in my power to help your daughters and granddaughters have opportunities for professional volleyball unlike so many who have come before them,” Booth said. She expressed that this is something she has been thinking about for a few months and after discussion with Coach Rosen decided to make the move. 

It was an emotional day at Sokol Arena as many reporters and members of staff have been with Coach Booth for the entirety of her career. This news came as a shock to many, including the players who just found out about the change last night. However, it is certain everyone is excited for the torch to be passed to someone in the program and an assistant coach of the year no less. With many scrimmages and matches coming up, it will be exciting to see what Coach Rosen has in store and how this change will affect the program.