UK's Anders Nelson Named to AVCA's Thirty Under 30
April 1, 2015
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky volleyball assistant coach Anders Nelson has been named a Thirty Under 30 Award recipient by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), the national organization announced today.
Created in 2009 to honor up-and-coming coaches across all levels, Nelson is the third Kentucky coach to earn the award. Current UK assistant coach Lindsey Gray-Walton and former assistant Lauren Sauer were also tabbed one of the 30 best coaches under the age of 30 by the AVCA, Gray-Walton in 2012 and Sauer in 2009.
“It’s an honor to be listed among a group of outstanding coaches that received the AVCA Thirty Under 30 Award,” Nelson said. “I owe this to the athletes, coaches, and programs I have worked with throughout my career. Working to build a championship program at the University of Kentucky is an incredible privilege, and I look forward to what we’re aiming to accomplish on and off the court as we continue to move forward.”
Nelson is in his third season as an assistant coach with the Wildcats and in his fourth year in Lexington. A Saint Croix Falls, Wis., native, he has helped guide Kentucky to the NCAA Tournament every season. Nelson’s time at UK also includes a stint as a volunteer assistant coach in 2011.
“We are really happy for Anders and what he has accomplished so far in his young coaching career,” UK head coach Craig Skinner said. “He has a great mind and work ethic in the profession and will continue to be successful. We’re proud that he’s a Wildcat!”
Nelson is one of 11 NCAA Division I coaches named to this year’s Thirty Under 30 list. Another four are coaches in Division II and four in Division II. Three are high school coaches, three are from the NAIA, three from Two Year Colleges and two of this year’s recipients are club coaches.
Nelson works primarily with the UK middle blockers. In his first two seasons as an assistant coach, he helped direct UK to a 22-9 season in 2013 and a 27-6 campaign in 2014. The 2014 Wildcats advanced to the NCAA Tournament for a program record 10th consecutive season. UK limited its opponents to a .194 hitting percentage while leading the league with 14.25 kills per set.
Visit UKathletics.com for the most up-to-date information on the Kentucky volleyball team and all 22 varsity sports. For additional info on the volleyball team like Kentucky Volleyball on Facebook or follow the team on Twitter at @KentuckyVB.
Congrats to assistant coach @VBDers for making the @AVCAVolleyball Top 30 under 30 coaches award. Well deserved….great future ahead!
— Craig Skinner (@UKCoachSkinner) April 1, 2015
