Ekstrom Takes Flight: A New Era Begins for Falcon Volleyball

FOLSOM, Calif. — Folsom Lake College Athletics is excited to announce Charlie Ekstrom as the head coach of the Falcons' women's volleyball and beach volleyball programs.

Ekstrom steps into the role after helping lead a history-making season with the FLC beach volleyball program and brings an impressive background as a collegiate standout, professional beach volleyball player, coach, mentor, and leader.

"I am thrilled to be stepping into the head coach role here at FLC," Ekstrom said. "After a history-making season at the helm of the beach program, I am ecstatic to continue building a culture of success across the board within our volleyball programs."

Ekstrom takes over following the leadership of Molly Hanrahan, who helped guide the growth of both Falcon volleyball programs over multiple seasons. Hanrahan served as head coach of the women's volleyball program from 2019-2025 after previously serving as associate head coach in 2017 and 2018 and assistant head coach in 2016. She also led the beach volleyball program from 2024 through March 2026. Folsom Lake College Athletics thanks Hanrahan for her leadership, dedication, and contributions to the development of Falcon volleyball.

Before joining Folsom Lake College, Ekstrom built a standout playing career at Stanford University, where she competed for the Cardinal beach volleyball program from 2018-2023. She was a five-year starter, including the shortened 2020 season, and earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Stanford.

During her collegiate career, Ekstrom was named a four-time member of the All-Pac-12 Team, a four-time Pac-12 All-Academic honoree, an AVCA All-American, a Pac-12 Pair of the Week honoree, and a member of the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team. She finished her Stanford career with 82 wins, the most in program history at the time of her graduation.

Ekstrom also competed professionally on the AVP Tour, earning a top finish of third place in a summer event. Internationally, she represented Team USA on the FIVB Tour, competing in Australia, Italy, and Spain, with her highest international finish being fifth place.

In addition to her playing experience, Ekstrom has built a strong coaching and leadership resume. Prior to FLC, she served as a head coach at 692 West Beach Volleyball Club in San Diego from 2019-2023 and worked as a tournament director and director of operations at the Beach Volleyball Clubs of America National Championships.

Beyond the court, Ekstrom has been deeply involved in mentorship and empowerment through sport. She served as the Assistant Director of Communications and Outreach for Strong Girls United, an organization dedicated to empowering girls through sports, mentorship, and mental strength workshops. She is also the founder and host of "Strong Girls Pod," a podcast focused on empowering girls and women through conversations with current and former professional and collegiate female athletes.

Ekstrom holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a sub-plan in Architectural Design and a Master of Arts in Communications with a focus in Media Studies from Stanford University. While at Stanford, she also founded and served as president of Cardinal Community, Stanford's first student-athlete-led philanthropic organization.

Ekstrom currently resides in Sacramento and can be reached at EkstroC@flc.losrios.edu.