LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - The UNLV volleyball team announced a new member of their staff on Friday afternoon, hiring Lauren Jardine-Clark as the team's new Assistant Coach.
Jardine joins the Scarlet & Gray following a successful professional career in Major League Volleyball (MLV), where she played for the Grand Rapids Rise and Vegas Thrill. A former standout at the University of Utah and University of Wisconsin, Jardine brings a championship pedigree and extensive knowledge of the game to Las Vegas.
Jardine most recently competed with the Grand Rapids Rise during the 2026 MLV season, appearing in six matches and 10 sets while recording 10 kills, seven blocks and four digs.
"I'm so excited to start this journey under Malia Shoji," said Jardine-Clark. "From being one of her players, to now being one of her coaches, it shows how tight knit and small the volleyball world can really be. I'm proud to be a Rebel!"
In 2025, Jardine-Clark played in 27 matches (74 sets) during the Vegas Thrill's inaugural season, finishing with 114 kills, a .184 hitting percentage, seven aces, 30 blocks and 76 digs. She recorded a season-high 21 kills against the San Diego Mojo on April 19, adding 10 digs and five blocks. Jardine made her professional debut on Jan. 10 against the Grand Rapids Rise, posting 13 kills, 11 digs and a block in a five-set victory.
"I am grateful to have Lauren Jardine-Clark join our staff this fall," said Shoji. "It feels like a full-circle moment to have Lauren as an assistant coach, having been one of my former players at Utah and a well-known star of the Vegas Thrill professional volleyball team. She has so many qualities that young athletes can look up to — her resilience through adversity, her competitive spirit, and, most inspirationally, her story of personal growth. Her journey from high school and club volleyball to becoming a professional athlete, wife and mother is a testament to the impact that volleyball can have far beyond the court. Her experiences, growth and perspective will make her an incredible mentor and coach for the next generation of student-athletes, and I'm excited to see the influence she will have on our program and our players."
Prior to beginning her professional career, Jardine was a standout collegiate athlete, competing for three seasons at Utah (2022-24) and one season at Wisconsin (2021). Over 102 career matches and 320 sets, she totaled 869 kills (2.72 kills per set), 201 digs, 179 blocks, 31 aces and 19 assists. During her time at Wisconsin, Jardine was part of the 2021 NCAA Championship team. She transferred to Utah beginning in 2022 where Shoji was the Associate Head Coach for the Utes. Jardine-Clark enjoyed a standout senior season in 2024, leading the Utes with 261 kills while averaging 2.84 kills per set and posting a .266 hitting percentage.
A native of Highland, Utah, Jardine-Clark is married to professional men's volleyball player and NIL agent, Cougar Clark. The couple has a son, Mills.
