Fighting Leatherneck head volleyball coach April Hall announced the hiring of Laura DeBruler as her assistant coach Monday (Feb. 11).
During DeBruler's first season as coach Hall's assistant, the coaching staff continued to change the culture of the Western Illinois volleyball program. The Fighting Leathernecks made their first appearance in The Summit League Tournament since the 2007 season. WIU also defended its home court during the 2013 season, winning six-of-eight at home. Junior outside hitter Ann Miller was named All-Summit League Honorable Mention after the season, and was also named to the All-Tournament team at the conference tournament. In October, the Leathernecks swept back-to-back opponents (SDSU & NDSU) for the first time since the 2007 season. Two Western Illinois players earned the league's 'Player of the Week' honors in Molly Murphy and Samantha Fournier. Four Western Illinois players also earned Papa John's 'Scholar-Athlete of the Week' honors in Sarah Fetter, Jordan Jackson, Murphy and Ann Miller.
DeBruler joined the Leatherneck coaching staff after serving as a volunteer assistant at Illinois where she helped provide input at practices and competition, while assisting with video and statistical breakdown.
Prior to her assisting at Illinois, DeBruler played four seasons for the Fighting Illini. She concluded her career as the all-time Illinois leader in kills with 1,833. She also ranks first in career attacks (4,806) and eighth in career digs (1,117).
One of the most celebrated players in Illinois history, DeBruler was a major player in the resurgence of Illinois volleyball to the national scene. She was part of the sixth-ranked national recruiting class and had arguably the best debut in Illinois history when she tallied 28 kills, 11 digs and a .323 hitting percentage vs. Bowling Green. That year she tallied 577 kills, the third most in single season in program history.
As a sophomore, DeBruler ranked sixth in the country in kills per set at 4.66 and was named AVCA and CVU.com National Player of the Week after posting 65 kills at the State Farm Illini Classic. DeBruler was an All-Mideast Region selection, a unanimous choice for All-Big Ten and a SecondTeam AVCA All-American.
DeBruler established herself as one of the best players in the country in 2009 as a junior, earning First Team All-America and ranking second in the Big Ten in kills per set (4.46). She set Illinois' all-time record for 20-kill matches with her 30th of her career vs. Michigan St. and finished with 36.
DeBruler was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, earned eight Big Ten Player of the Week honors, nine all-tournament selections, two tournament MVPs and was a finalist for the LOWE's Senior Class Award. She was also a part of three straight NCAA Sweet 16 teams.
After graduation, DeBruler played for the NUC Volleyball Club in Nuchatel, Switzerland, winning MVP of the match against Kanti Schaffhausen. She competed in the National A League, which is the highest in Switzerland. as well as the CEV Cup against other European teams.
"Laura has proven herself to be a remarkable athlete, but more importantly, an incredible person," said coach Hall. "She will serve as a great role model for our student-athletes on and off the court, and I'm looking forward to building this program with her by my side."
