Newman Catholic pioneer coach Betty Lange retires after historic career

Lange took over the Newman volleyball program in 2008 and led the team for 18 seasons before announcing her retirement.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Betty Lange, a pioneering coach at Newman Catholic High School in Wausau, Wisconsin, has announced her retirement after an 18-year tenure leading the school's volleyball program. Lange initially took over the team in 2008 on an interim basis when the previous coach left, but ended up staying on and building the program into a consistent winner.

Why it matters

Lange's long and successful tenure at Newman Catholic is a rarity in high school sports, where coaching turnover is often high. Her commitment to the program and ability to sustain success over nearly two decades is a testament to her coaching skills and dedication to the school and its student-athletes.

The details

Lange took over the Newman volleyball program in 2008 when the previous coach, Alexia Poppy, left to take a job elsewhere. Lange was initially just supposed to finish out that season, but ended up staying on and leading the team for 18 seasons. During her tenure, she guided Newman Catholic to multiple conference championships and state tournament appearances.

  • Lange took over the Newman volleyball program in September 2008.
  • Lange announced her retirement in March 2026 after 18 seasons as head coach.

The players

Betty Lange

A pioneering high school volleyball coach who spent 18 seasons leading the Newman Catholic program in Wausau, Wisconsin.

Alexia Poppy

The previous head coach of the Newman Catholic volleyball team, who left the position in 2008 to take a job elsewhere.

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What they’re saying

“I thought I was just finishing a season,”

— Betty Lange, Longtime Newman Catholic volleyball coach (Wausau Daily Herald)

The takeaway

Betty Lange's long and successful tenure as the Newman Catholic volleyball coach is a rarity in high school sports, demonstrating her commitment to the program and ability to sustain excellence over nearly two decades. Her retirement marks the end of an era for the school's volleyball team.