Emma Nash never expected that her volleyball journey would come full circle at Averett University. After five seasons of wearing blue and gold, she’s now trading her jersey for a clipboard as the new head coach of the women’s volleyball program.
“Honestly, I thought I was done with volleyball after my senior year of high school,” Nash said. “Then Averett and Coach Miller gave me another chance, and that opportunity changed everything. I was blessed to play an extra year, and I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything.”
Nash’s journey as a Cougar was defined not only by wins and championships but also by the lessons that shaped her into a leader. She said her coaching inspiration comes from two important mentors, her high school coach, Coach Davis, and Averett head coach, Coach Miller.
“Coach Davis was in the Army and was a tough guy, but he taught us what means to be successful on and off the court,” Nash said. “Coach Miller had such a huge impact on me during my two seasons with him. He really influenced who I am today and why I wanted to return to the sport as a coach.”
Now, just a year after finishing her playing career, Nash is stepping into the head coach role she once looked up to. “I’m passionate about volleyball, but even more so about helping athletes grow as people,” she said. “It’s important for student-athletes to have positive role models in their lives. I want to create an environment where they feel supported but also challenged to be their best.”
Nash has a clear picture of where she wants to take the program in the coming years. “In five years, I see our women’s team as a top-four contender in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference,” she said. “I want us to be consistent in competing at a high level and proving we belong among the best.” While Nash takes on the head coaching duties for the women’s program, she will also continue serving as an assistant coach with the men’s team. “The guys have grown so much in such a short time,” she said. “They’ve embraced that underdog mentality, and their potential is only going to keep rising.”
For Nash, the transition from player to coach is fueled by the gratitude she carries from her own career. “Nothing beats the feeling of winning and succeeding in front of your friends, family, teammates and coaches,” she said. “I’ll always remember how close I came to walking away from volleyball after high school. Being able to play at Averett for five years was such a blessing, and I want to give my players the same opportunities and experiences that shaped me.”
Nash graduated from Averett in spring 2024 with a degree in art and a minor in business. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in marketing while leading her alma mater into a new era of women’s volleyball.
