Fort Collins College hires ex-Roseburg volleyball standout Chay Swenson

Former Roseburg volleyball player Chay Swenson has been hired as an assistant coach for the NCAA Division II Fort Lewis College volleyball team in Durango, Colorado.

Swenson, a 2020 RHS graduate, was a player for four seasons at Fort Lewis, but will transition into a coaching role with the Skyhawks now that she has graduated.

“I am so excited to continue my journey here as an assistant coach,” Swenson said in a press release from the college. “I can’t wait to see where the program goes and how I can make a positive impact.”

Swenson played in 46 matches and 149 sets throughout her four seasons with the Skyhawks, but battled injuries throughout her time in Durango. She played just two sets during her junior year, but returned for a full senior season where the outside hitter averaged 2.38 kills and 1.38 digs per set.

Swenson was named the athletic department’s Comeback Athlete of the Year for the 2023-24 academic year and served as the community engagement officer for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

“I am very excited to welcome Chay to her new role as an assistant coach,” head coach Giedre Tarnauskaite said in the release. “She has been with me since my first season at Fort Lewis, and as my former player, she knows my aspirations for the program and expectations for the team. Chay is an incredible leader and example to others, not just on the court, but in life. Her leadership and support of the program is what we need to keep building on our success.”