Another month, another twist in the NCAA volleyball world—this time, it’s Creighton fans wiping away the shock. Just a day ago, Kirsten Bernthal Booth pulled off the surprise play of the season, stepping away from her 22-year reign as Creighton’s head coach “to pursue opportunities outside of coaching,” as the school’s official release gently put it. But Booth isn’t going to be a complete ghost from the squad—she will still remain involved in the program through fundraising and community service.

Booth said it in her own words, “After 22 unforgettable years as the head coach of Creighton volleyball, I am stepping down with a heart full of gratitude.” And in case the sudden exit had the rumor mill spinning—was she sick? Was she pushed out?—Booth’s got an answer. Nope, nothing shady. Indeed, she is up to something juicy.

Back in January, when Booth visited an LOVB Omaha practice session along with Dani Busboom Kelly and John Cook, everyone thought that she was there to catch up with Creighton alum Jaali Winters. Cut to a little over a couple of months later, it seems like she probably had another reason.

Lincoln Arneal hopped on X on April 7 and dropped the tea that cleared the fog once and for all. “Kirsten Bernthal Booth said she is not sick, wasn’t forced out at Creighton and isn’t retiring.” Yep, that’s straight from the source—no drama, no scandal, just a bold new chapter. Turns out, Booth is stepping into something bigger with League One Volleyball (LOVB), not on the court but behind the scenes, ready to shake things up from the administrative side.

The goal? “To work to make professional volleyball more accessible to more young women and girls.” Lincoln also let fans in on the deeper side of Booth’s volleyball decision—the one that hits after a few birthdays and big-life questions. “Booth said after turning 50 she questioned her career path of continuing coaching or changing it up. She was approached by several pro teams, and LOVB got serious.”

Lincoln continued, “The offer had been on the table for a few months. Her role is fluid right now and will be determined as she goes.” So, no set-in-stone titles, just vibes and vision—for now. One thing’s for sure, Booth may be off the Creighton bench, but she’s still playing to win. As Creighton Volleyball’s former coach hilariously cleared up, “To my knowledge, I am not sick, thankfully… No, I am not being forced out in any way. And finally, no, this is not a retirement. I’m old, but not that old.”

Yes, Booth is doing things pretty much on her own terms, and the move to LOVB fits perfectly with her plans of staying long-term in Omaha and taking the sport to new heights. “I’ve watched many players graduate over the years who want to keep playing volleyball, but want to stay in this country,” she said. So now, she’s dreaming big. “I dream of a day where all pro volleyball games are on television, the stands are packed… and a girl in fourth grade… says, ‘I want to be a pro volleyball player when I grow up.’” 

As was the case with Kayla Banwarth in July 2024, when she transitioned from the head volleyball coach of a Power Five university to the Pro Volleyball Federation’s Atlanta Vibe. As for Creighton volleyball? No worries—Another coach is sliding into the driver’s seat and the Bluejays are in good hands. New era, same hustle.

Creighton Volleyball set to welcome a new coach!

The volleyball baton’s been passed—and it’s officially the Rosen Era in Omaha! Following the legendary Kirsten Bernthal Booth left the coaching chapter of her life, Creighton did not miss a beat. On April 6, McCormick Endowed Athletic Director Marcus Blossom made it official—Brian Rosen, a name already buzzin’ in Bluejay circles, is now steering the ship. Blossom hyped him as a “tireless worker” and a mastermind in the recruiting game, adding, “We’re reaching for new heights.”

Rosen said it is not just any job for him, it is the job he has always wanted. “The opportunity to lead the Creighton volleyball program is a dream come true,” he said, still in disbelief. And he could not help but also mention the legend: “Thank you does not do justice to what Coach Booth has meant to me and my family…” With the compass that was passed down by her and the spirit of Creighton still in the atmosphere, Rosen is all set to maintain the spirits high and the victories coming in. He has been on the team since 2022 and has risen from an assistant head coach to an associate head coach and now a head coach.

And if you’re wondering if he’s got the track record to match the hype—oh, he does. Since Rosen joined Creighton, the Bluejays have been on a tear: 88 wins, two BIG EAST regular-season championships, and an Elite Eight run in 2023. His coaching roots run deep—from high school dynasties to DII breakthroughs at Nova Southeastern, he’s built winning cultures like it’s second nature. As Booth herself once stated: “He’s an exceptional coach, recruiter, and mentor,” and with him leading the Bluejay team, they are now set, focused, and geared up to bring light again to DJ Sokol Arena.