CHICAGO, Ill. – Brittany Welch has been appointed as head coach for North Park University Men's Volleyball, as announced Thursday afternoon by Director of Athletics. John Born. Welch served as a full-time assistant for both the NPU men's and women's programs this past year.

"Coach Brittany Welch excelled at every aspect within her role as the men's and women's assistant coach this past season," said AD Born. "Under the tutelage of Coach Michael Sopocy, Brittany grew into a coach we certainly wanted to retain within the North Park family. Promoting Brittany to Head Men's Volleyball Coach is clearly the best decision for the program. We all look forward to her advancing this team to the next level."

In her first season as an assistant coach with NPU, Welch helped guide the Vikings Women's team to their first CCIW title in 2023, assisting in an undefeated season. The Vikings also secured a CCIW Tournament Championship, advancing NPU to the National Tournament for the second season in a row. For the men, Welch was a part of the 2024 coaching staff that saw the program's first ranked win in a five-set thriller over No. 14 North Central on March 27.

Welch carried out a fantastic collegiate career at Division I Oakland University from 2019-2021, earning Horizon League Freshman of the Year accolades en route to securing a nomination for the 2019 Women's Newcomer of the Year. She was also the "Player of the Game" on nineteen separate occasions. An outside hitter, Welch totaled 582 kills (2.20 per set), 22 service aces, 65 blocks, and 376 digs in her three seasons with the Grizzlies.

"I want to thank Coach Sopocy for the support he has shown me throughout my playing and coaching career," said Coach Welch. "I also want to thank Athletic Director, John Born and President Surridge for offering me this opportunity. I can't think of a better place to be a head coach at than North Park University. Each day we will be tough, disciplined, hungry, and a championship-level team."