Denise was the head volleyball coach in Alexandria for 18 years beginning in 1980. She is credited with putting Cardinal Volleyball on the map and laying the foundation for the successful program it remains to be today. Alexandria dominated the Central Lakes Conference during her tenure winning 15 conference championships and 14 in a row from 1984-1998. Under her direction 15 players went on to play college volleyball- 9 in Division 1. Her teams made 4 state tournament appearances, 2 runner up finishes, consolation champions and won the state tournament in 1995 with a perfect season, never losing a single game! She started the very successful Junior Olympic Volleyball program in 1990 with just one team. It has continued to grow in numbers to 15 teams and remains extremely competitive to this day.