Abby Crowser is stepping down after nine celebrated seasons as the head coach of Lady Spartans Volleyball at M State. During her tenure, the Fergus Falls native developed the program into one of the most successful in the National Junior College Association (NJCAA) DIII.
“It has been fun to watch Abby coach, mentor and guide students over the last nine years,” says M State President Carrie Brimhall. “Win or lose, with Abby as a coach, our Spartan athletes grew on and off the court. Abby represented Spartan Athletics well, and we wish her only the best in this next phase of her life.”
Crowser was named 2016 Southern Division Coach of the Year, 2021 Region 13 A Coach of the Year and North Plains A District Coach of the Year, and 2022 Region 13 B Coach of the Year and North Plains B District Coach of the Year.
The Lady Spartans earned a record of 163-72 over Crowser’s nine years. They’ve been nationally ranked every year since 2016, achieving a ranking of No. 2 in 2022. In 2016, the team went 27-4, including a 21-game winning streak. They dominated their home court during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, never losing a home match, and in 2022-2023, they won every match that went to five sets. They competed in the NJCAA National Tournament twice, placing 3rd in 2021 and 5th in 2022, and were Region XIII champions in 2021 and 2022 and Region XII runners-up in 2016, 2017 and 2023.
Under Crowser, the team had five players named to the All-America squad and numerous first team All Divisions players and Academic All Division award winners.
“I’m so thankful for these past nine seasons at M State. Interacting with my players daily is what I’m going to miss the most,” says Crowser. “The relationships that have been built throughout the years will last a lifetime. Getting the wins and having a successful program is fun, but being able to help athletes grow and learn valuable life lessons has always been the ultimate goal. I hope I was able to encourage a passion for volleyball and make a positive impact on every athlete I had the privilege to coach.”
For all nine years while Crowser was at the helm of the Lady Spartans, Morgan Aasness and Krista Price led the team alongside her, as assistant coaches. Aasness and Price have announced that they are also stepping down from their posts.
“I couldn’t have asked for two better assistant coaches than Morgan and Krista,” says Crowser. “Individually, we are so different, but together, we complement each other perfectly as a coaching staff. They both contributed greatly to the overall success of our volleyball program, and our friendship that was formed is priceless.”
Crowser will continue to serve current and future M State students in her role as a College Applications Processor.