From Bandit to Barrier Breaker: Brittany Welch ’18’s Journey from RES to Collegiate Coach

From the moment she stepped onto the court at Resurrection, Brittany Welch, Class of 2018, made an impact that would shape the course of her life.

In seventh grade, Brittany attended a camp at Marquette University. At the time, playing college volleyball wasn’t necessarily part of the plan. But during that camp, a coach expressed interest in recruiting her and even mentioned the possibility of a scholarship. In that moment, everything shifted. For the first time, Brittany realized she was capable of competing at the collegiate level, and she decided she would pursue it.

Leadership became part of Brittany’s identity early on at Resurrection. As a varsity starter beginning her freshman year, she immediately stepped into significant responsibility. Teammates relied on her, and she embraced being a go-to player. That confidence extended beyond the court. In the classroom, Brittany often took initiative during group projects, naturally assuming leadership roles. Resurrection allowed her to test and strengthen that skill, proving to herself that she could lead with confidence and consistency.

Looking back on her time at Resurrection, Brittany doesn’t just remember the wins; she remembers the joy. A four-year member of the volleyball program, she says her senior season stands out the most. That was the year the team advanced to the state tournament. While sports are often defined by pressure and competition, Brittany recalls that season as the most fun she ever had playing. It reminded her of why she fell in love with volleyball in the first place.

Her advice to current RES students who are passionate about sports is clear and direct: nothing is ever given to you - especially success. If competing at the Division I level is your goal, you must fully commit and allow it to become central to your life. Brittany recalls countless days of going from high school practice to strength and conditioning sessions, then straight to private lessons with her club coach. Excellence requires sacrifice. “You can’t expect to be great if you aren’t willing to do great things,” Brittany says. “Never settle for average.”

She began her collegiate career at New Mexico State University before transferring to Oakland University. Competing at the Division I level was demanding and all-consuming, where playing volleyball at that level felt like a full-time job, with little free time and a schedule that revolved around the sport. Balancing academics and athletics wasn’t easy, but Brittany describes it as the most fulfilling experience of her life.

After college, she initially envisioned herself in a traditional 9–5 corporate role, following a path similar to many of her peers. But it didn’t take long for her to realize it wasn’t the right fit. When an assistant coaching position opened under Head Coach Mike Sopocy at North Park University, Brittany decided to take a leap of faith. She pursued the opportunity and earned the role.

In spring 2024, Brittany was named Head Coach of the North Park men’s volleyball team. It was an incredible milestone, one she admits she never imagined achieving, especially in a male-dominated field. To her, stepping into that role isn’t intimidating; it was motivating.

Brittany says what is most exciting about leading a collegiate men’s volleyball program is the opportunity to chase history. Each day, she works toward becoming the first woman to win a College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin men’s volleyball championship. She pursues that goal alongside a group of exceptional young men who believe in her, in their team, and in a shared vision of competing for a championship.

From her days as a Bandit at Resurrection to Division I athlete and now head coach, Brittany’s journey is rooted in passion, discipline, and leadership. Above all, her story is a testament to loving the game enough to keep showing up and having the courage to chase what once felt impossible.