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VBRags Academy - Carla Nelson

Carla Nelson

Hometown: Randolph, NJ

Club Position:  Pre-Club and Mini Volley Coach

I wanted to be a volleyball player from the moment I found out that my own mother played in high school. I started playing volleyball formally at the age of 12 in a skills clinic very similar to pre-club. I was an outside hitter at Columbia High School, in Maplewood, NJ, where I earned various regional and State accolades, and during my off-season I also played Club. I went on to become a Binghamton University Bearcat, where I played on the D1 team for 2 seasons, and continued as captain of the women's club team. I have coached club volleyball and skills clinics on and off for several years since graduating college, and I am excited to call VB Rags my new volleyball home. I continue to play in adult leagues and I am trying to instill a love of volleyball in my own children!

How would you describe your coaching style? 

My goal in every practice is to bring the positive energy and excitement I want my players to emulate. You will always see a smile on my face while I cheer kids on and provide feedback. For players early in their training, I focus on technique, body positioning, movement, and volleyball IQ that will help them whether they decide to play in gym class or in college!

What are your favorite characteristics in a player?

I love players who bring a good attitude to the court, who are ready to hustle, learn, cheer on their teammates, and have fun.

What excites you about volleyball? 

Volleyball is a sport like no other - it requires mental toughness, focus, athleticism, and the willingness to launch your body across the court to make that save! At every blow of the whistle, there is a new opportunity to remember everything you can do. And nothing feels better than meeting your teammates in the middle of the court to celebrate after the perfect ace, dig, block or hit!

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