Bio

Jim Nichols was promoted as head coach of the Wells College men's volleyball team for the 2019 season, and will serve as assistant coach for the women's volleyball program in the fall of 2018.

Nichols initially joined the Wells College staff as assistant coach for men's volleyball for the 2017 season and served in that role for the last two seasons, during which time the Express men's volleyball team advanced to the North Eastern Athletic Conference championship match two years in a row. He was an assistant coach for the women's volleyball team in 2017.

Nichols brings a wealth of elite experience in playing and coaching to the Wells program. He is a former professional volleyball player with over 15 years of experience on the AVP Pro Beach Tour, and the Bud Light Pro Beach 4-Man Tour. During his professional career he earned Defensive Player of the Year honors three times.

Nichols has coached volleyball teams at various levels, including his current role as head coach of the 18-and-under boys volleyball club team in the Club Syr-V organization in Syracuse. In 1999, Nichols coached La Costa Canyon High School in Encinitas, Calif. to a national championship. 

"My lifelong passion for the sport of volleyball has given me opportunities to hone my skills as both an athlete and a coach," Nichols said. "One of my specialties is to motivate players to bring out the best in them in a positive environment. I have played with and against some of the best players in the world and I still have great relationships with national team coaches as well as numerous junior clubs throughout the country, which is essential in the recruiting process."

He is certified in CPR, and in the USA Volleyball IMPACT program.