Taking the helm: Austin grad is the new Southland volleyball coach
Published 3:44 pm Thursday, August 15, 2019
- New Southland head volleyball coach Michelle Nelsen guides her team through practice in Adams Wednesday. Photos by Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com
ADAMS — Michelle Nelsen has been around volleyball for much of her life, but she’s still feeling a bit nervous as she takes on her first ever head coaching position this fall.
Nelson, an Austin graduate who played volleyball for the Packers and Riverland Community College, is taking over as head coach of the Rebels this fall after working as a junior high coach and assistant coach for the previous 16 years in Southland.
“It’s exciting and overwhelming, but I’ve known a lot of the varsity girls since they were in junior high,” Nelsen said. “I know their work ethic and I’ve always had a passion for volleyball. I’m always excited to get in the gym.”
Kiley Kiefer makes a play on the ball.
Nelsen takes over a team that went 3-23 last season, but the Rebels do have a lot of players who are ready to help point the program in the right direction. Southland senior Lexi Smith has already noticed a difference in the team’s approach in the first week of practice.
“There has definitely been an improvement,” Smith said. “The team is way closer than last year and we’ve been working really hard. We’re really breaking down the game and doing the little things.”
Southland junior Kelsey Mensink, who was on the varsity team last season, played under Nelsen in junior high and she’s had no problem adjusting to Nelsen as the varsity coach.
“We’re excited to move forward and do better than we did last year,” Mensink said. “It was nice getting a head start on varsity last year and I feel a lot less nervous this year.”
Emily Bhend sets the ball in practice for the Rebel volleyball team.
The Rebels have already shown a lot of leadership in the gym as they prepare for the upcoming season, which will kick off against Randolph at 7:15 p.m. on Aug. 26, in Adams. Nelsen is excited to see what happens when her team takes the court.
“They’re super classy kids. They have great attitudes and they’re positive. They’re very coachable and win or lose, they’re always a fun bunch to be around,” Nelsen said. “I want them to play with confidence and be aggressive. Sometimes we tend to play not to lose instead of playing to win. I want them to be confident and I want them to have fun while doing it. I’m hoping that they improve from years past.”
Smith is pumped up to play for Nelsen and she’s embracing her final season with the Rebels.
“I would like to thank God for this amazing season and teammates,” Smith said. “We’re excited.”
