Iowa Lakes Director of Athletics Troy Larson announced today that Hunter Porter will become the new head volleyball coach. She will also take over the role of Success Center instructor for the Estherville campus.

Porter is replacing former head coach Lea Hartigan.

Hartigan has accepted an assistant coaching position with Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill., an NCAA Division I program. Hartigan coached the Lakers for the 2016-2017 season and finished with a record of 16-23, producing two all-conference players in RaeAhna Harmon and Kali Mumm.

"Very excited for Lea and her new opportunity," Larson said. "She is a great coach and did a really good job for us at Iowa Lakes. Iowa Lakes is in a better position because of Lea's hard work."

Larson also said Southern Illinois will benefit from Hartigan's talents.

"Southern Illinois is a tremendous opportunity for her, one too good for her to pass up," said Larson. "She will do great there. This is a very good thing for Iowa Lakes and our volleyball program to have a former coach continue coaching at the division I level."

Her replacement, Porter, joined the college in January and worked both with the volleyball program and the athletic department. Prior to coming to Iowa Lakes, Porter coached within the club volleyball circuit in Texas.

Porter graduated from Midwestern State University with a Bachelor of Arts in mass communication broadcast.  While at MSU, she was the captain and starting outside hitter for the volleyball team. She was named to the Commissioner's Honor-Roll in 2014-15 and 2015-16.  Prior to Midwestern State University, Porter attended and played volleyball at Emporia State University. She was named to the Commissioner's Honor-Roll in 2011-12 and 2012-13. 

"Hunter has been a valuable asset for our volleyball program since her arrival last spring," said Larson. "She quickly developed relationships with our players and is well respected."

Porter has a strong resume, Larson added.

"Her enthusiasm and work ethic both coaching during the spring and recruiting has helped position us going into the fall. Her background as a player and club coach makes her the ideal fit as our head coach. (I'm) anxious to see her coach this fall," Larson said.

"I am looking forward to getting started with this group of goal-driven athletes.  I am very thankful for the opportunity to coach at Iowa Lakes," Porter said.

For more information about the volleyball team and other athletics at Iowa Lakes Community College, visit www.iowalakes.edu.