2023-2024 Head Coach 16 Black
2022-2023 Head Coach 18 Black

Karrie Downey Larsen has coached and played at the highest level throughout her career. She played collegiately at CU, then for a stint overseas professionally, and finally with the USA National Team for 2 years. After she hung up her court shoes, she went back to her next love - coaching volleyball. She is returning to coaching at NORCO after taking a break to raise her family. In 2023 Karrie was the head coach of 18 Black and when that season was over she became the head coach of 17 Black and led that team to a National Championship at USAV National Championships.

COACHING EXPERIENCE

Most recently, Karrie spent 8 years (2000-2008) at Colorado State University as an assistant coach under Tom Hilbert. She was fortunate enough to coach some of the most successful Colorado State Volleyball teams during her tenure. She served as the recruiting coordinator and focused mainly on outside hitters, passing and defense.

Before Colorado State, Karrie was the top Assistant at Clemson University (1999) where the Tigers made the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in the program’s history.

Larsen also served as an assistant coach for the 2007 U.S. Women's Junior National Team at the FIVB U-20 World Championships where they took at silver medal.

PLAYING HISTORY

Larsen was a starting outside hitter for the USA National Team from May 1997 through December 1998. She earned the Best Defense/Reception Award at the Grand Prix in 1997 and the Best Defense Award at the NORCECA Tournament in 1998. Prior to her time with the national team, Larsen played professional volleyball in Switzerland from 1995-96.

During the 1997 season, Karrie played professionally for the Colorado Thunder, helping the team to the National Volleyball League Championship.

A native of San Diego, CA, Larsen lettered four years as a member of the Colorado volleyball team. She earned all-Big 8 and all-Midwest Region honors during the 1993 and 1994 seasons, leaving her mark as the Big 8 career leader in kills, digs and attempts. For her efforts she was honored as the Colorado Female Athlete of the Year in 1995. In 2017 she was inducted into  University of Colorado’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

PERSONAL

Larsen and her husband Brett both graduated from Colorado. She earned her degree in international affairs.