Leadership Change:: Kirsten Bernthal Booth resigns after 22 years, leaving a legacy of unprecedented success.
Successor Named:: Brian Rosen, previously associate head coach and 2024 National Assistant Coach of the Year, takes the helm.
Booth's Legacy:: 502 wins, 14 NCAA Tournament appearances, 12 regular-season conference titles, 11 conference tournament titles, 4 Sweet 16s, 2 Elite Eights.
Rosen's Impact:: Integral to Creighton's 88-13 record over the past three seasons, including three straight BIG EAST titles and recent deep NCAA runs.
Continuity Emphasized:: Both Athletic Director Marcus Blossom and Rosen highlighted the importance of building on the strong foundation and culture established by Booth.
Why this matters:: This marks the end of an era for a nationally prominent program, but the transition aims for seamless continuation with an internal promotion familiar with the team's success.
Kirsten Bernthal Booth took over a Creighton volleyball program in 2003 that had won just three matches the prior season and played in a local high school gym. Over 22 years, she orchestrated a stunning turnaround, building the Bluejays into a perennial powerhouse. Her tenure includes a remarkable 502-192 record, making her the fifth-winningest coach across all sports in Creighton history. Under her guidance, the team secured 14 NCAA Tournament berths (including the last 13 consecutively), won 11 BIG EAST regular-season titles since joining the conference in 2013, and 10 BIG EAST tournament championships. Booth earned numerous accolades, including three National Coach of the Year awards.
"It has been the honor of my life to lead this program," Booth stated, expressing pride in the student-athletes she coached. Athletic Director Marcus Blossom added, "Kirsten’s impact goes far beyond wins and banners... her legacy will forever be etched into the fabric of Creighton University."
Brian Rosen steps into the head coaching role after three impactful years with the program, serving first as an assistant and then as associate head coach. His contributions were recognized nationally when he was named the 2024 AVCA National Assistant Coach of the Year. During his time, Creighton achieved an 88-13 overall record, dominated the BIG EAST (57-3 against conference opponents), reached the Sweet 16 in 2023, and made an Elite Eight appearance in 2024, falling only to the eventual national champion.
Rosen brings prior head coaching experience from Division II Nova Southeastern, where he led the team to its first NCAA Tournament since 2009. He emphasized his respect for Booth's legacy, stating, "To follow a legend like Coach Booth is an honor I don’t take lightly... Everything we do moving forward will be rooted in the culture she built."
Blossom expressed confidence in Rosen: "Brian is a tireless worker, nationally respected recruiter, and in-game tactician... I believe we will reach new heights."
Q: Why did Kirsten Bernthal Booth resign?
Coach Booth is resigning to pursue opportunities outside of coaching, though she will remain involved with the program through fundraising and outreach.
Q: Who is the new Creighton volleyball head coach?
Brian Rosen, who served as the associate head coach and was named the 2024 AVCA National Assistant Coach of the Year.
Q: What were some of Coach Booth's major accomplishments?
Over 22 seasons, she achieved 502 wins, led the team to 14 NCAA Tournaments (including 4 Sweet 16s and 2 Elite Eights), won 12 regular-season and 11 conference tournament titles, and earned multiple National Coach of the Year awards.
End of an Era:: Recognize the conclusion of Coach Booth's transformative 22-year tenure that established Creighton volleyball as a national force.
Continuity in Leadership:: The program transitions to Brian Rosen, an internal hire deeply involved in the team's recent success and committed to the existing culture.
Strong Foundation:: Despite the change, the Bluejays program is built on a solid foundation with consistent success, strong recruiting, and dedicated fan support at D.J. Sokol Arena.
Future Outlook:: Expectations remain high for continued excellence under Coach Rosen's leadership.
This marks a significant moment for Creighton Athletics. What are your expectations for the Bluejays under Coach Rosen's leadership? Let us know your thoughts!
*Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend! Use the buttons below to share on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, or Reddit.*
Source 2: Compiled by Yanuki based on reporting from KETV and Creighton University Athletics.
The 2026 NCAA Men's Volleyball Championship is underway, featuring an expanded 12-team bracket. UCLA, Long Beach State, Hawaii, and Ball Sta...
After nine years as head coach, Robyn Ah Mow has stepped down from her position leading the University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine volleyball t...
The Nebraska Huskers and Iowa State Cyclones faced off in a spring exhibition volleyball match on April 11, 2026, at the Sanford Pentagon in...
The Big West Conference has announced its weekly men's volleyball awards, recognizing outstanding performances from players across the leagu...
⚠ Disclaimer: Yanuki provides article summaries and links for reference only. Yanuki does not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. Please review original sources and verify information independently. Managed by the Yanuki Data Engine. Full Disclaimer