BOURBONNAIS, Ill. - When Lauren Glenn was named head coach of the Olivet Nazarene University women's basketball program in 2012, she inherited a successful tradition. Over the next 14 seasons, she would do far more than maintain that standard—she would elevate it, building a consistent and highly respected NAIA women's basketball program. Along the way, she left an impact that extends far beyond wins and championships, and for that, we thank Lauren Glenn for her exceptional leadership and service to Olivet Nazarene University.
Over her tenure, Glenn amassed 301 career victories and guided the Tigers to 12 twenty-win seasons. Her teams earned 11 NAIA Tournament appearances, highlighted by a trip to the National Quarterfinals in 2016 and second-round appearances in 2014, 2021, and 2026. She led ONU to CCAC Tournament Championships in 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2026, while also capturing the 2026 CCAC Regular Season Championship.
Known for an exciting, fast-paced style of play referred to as "Tigerball", Glenn's teams have regularly ranked among the nation's highest-scoring offenses. Her success has been recognized across the country, earning multiple IBCA NAIA Coach of the Year honors, WBCA Regional Coach of the Year recognition, and the prestigious WBCA NAIA Coach of the Year award in 2026. She was also recognized this past year as the CCAC Women's Basketball Coach of the Year.
While her achievements on the court are remarkable, Glenn's greatest legacy are the lives she has influenced. Those who know Glenn best would likely point to something deeper than awards and victories. Former players consistently speak about the relationships she built and the investment she made in their lives. She challenged student-athletes to be disciplined competitors while encouraging them to grow as leaders, teammates, and followers of Christ.
Reflecting on her time at Olivet, Glenn shared, "My heart is filled with gratitude. This program has been so much more than basketball—it has been a family, a calling, and a place where I have been blessed to be a part of the growth of so many incredible young women. The relationships built, the challenges we overcame together, the victories we celebrated, and the memories we created will stay with me forever. I am deeply thankful to our student-athletes for trusting me, to my colleagues for their support, and to the entire ONU community for embracing me and believing in our shared vision. While this chapter comes to a close, a piece of my heart will always remain at Olivet and with Tigerball. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of something so special."
Glenn has spent nearly two decades serving the university as a graduate assistant, assistant coach, educator, and head coach. Her commitment to ONU goes beyond basketball. She has helped shape the culture of Tiger athletics and has embodied the university's mission through every role she has held.
Vice President for Student Development, Dr. Jason Stephens, had this to say about Glenn's tenure at Olivet, "Few coaches have had an impact as significant as Lauren Glenn's. Her legacy cannot be measured solely by wins, conference championships, national tournament appearances, or Coach of the Year honors, but by countless student-athletes whose lives were changed because of her leadership. Lauren faithfully served the students on the women's basketball team and represented the mission and values of Olivet Nazarene University. We are deeply grateful for her service and celebrate all she has meant to our university community."
As the history of Tigerball continues to be written, Lauren Glenn's place within it is secure. Her career at Olivet is a story of lasting impact, servant leadership, and sustained success. Through the countless student-athletes she has mentored, national tournament appearances, and championships, she has left an enduring mark on the university and established herself as one of the most accomplished and impactful coaches in ONU athletics history.
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