Jensen steps down at Crystal Lake South

Laura Jensen resigned as head girls volleyball coach at Crystal Lake South High School Wednesday morning and informed her team of the news shortly thereafter.

After leading the CL South program for 11 seasons, Jensen cited family obligations as the primary reason she is stepping away from volleyball after 271 career victories, 130 losses and 10 ties.

"I have two 6-year-old boys, and they are starting to get active," Jensen said. I need to be there for them, first of all."

She also said not being able to lead the Gators deeper into the postseason was a personal disappointment that factored into the decision.

Under Jensen's leadership the Gators won 6 regional titles since 1997 but were unable to advance past the sectional round.

"I've had some goals the last couple of years for some teams that were pretty good, and I just don't think I've been able to get them exactly where I thought I could in the long run," Jensen said. "Maybe it's time to let somebody take over and do that."

This season Crystal Lake South won the Valley Division of the Fox Valley Conference with a 10-0 record. The team finished 24-14 overall.

However, the Gators were beaten in the Class 4A Jacobs regional final by Cary-Grove, a team South defeated twice during the regular season.

Jensen remains a teacher at Crystal Lake South, where she is the department head of physical education, health and driver's education.

The process of finding a new coach begins immediately.

"As soon as we can, we'll interview and try to hire the best candidate we can," CL South athletic director Jim Stuglis said. "This had nothing to do with wins and losses, not by any stretch of the imagination.

"I would say Laura had a real nice run here and accomplished a lot of things at South High School."