SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Former Augustana All-American Erika Bute has been named the next head coach of the Augustana volleyball program, announced by Vice President for Athletics Josh Morton on Monday morning.

"I'm incredibly honored to return to my alma mater," said Bute. "The university and the volleyball program have played a huge role in shaping who I am, and I am grateful for the journey that brought me back here. I couldn't be more excited for what's ahead."  

Bute returns to Augustana following her first full season as a head coach at Bemidji State in 2025. She earned her first head coaching position after serving as an assistant coach on the Beaver Volleyball staff during the 2024 season. In her lone season as an assistant, she moved into the interim head coach position with seven games remaining in the regular season. 

"We are excited to welcome Erika back to Augustana to lead our volleyball program," said Morton. "She is a winner, competitor and rising star in the coaching profession. Her vision for the program and exceptional communication gives Viking volleyball an opportunity to elevate and work toward an NSIC championship."

A native of Alden, Minnesota, Bute had a decorated collegiate career as a student-athlete for the Vikings where she was named American Volleyball Coaches Association All-America Honorable Mention and a CSC Academic All-America Third Team member. She was a dominant player in the NSIC where she was a two-time NSIC Libero of the Year, four-time All-NSIC honoree and 2023 NSIC Outstanding Senior of the Year 

She also served on Augustana's Student Athlete Advisory Committee as its Vice President where she coordinated an all-athlete awards banquet, raised money for Make-A-Wish and attended multiple NCAA Leadership forums. While at Augustana, she served as the head coach of the Kairos Volleyball AAU team from 2020-2023.
 
Bute earned two master's degrees while at Augustana in Business Administration and Sports Administration and Leadership. She also earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing and graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors with the Vikings.