WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Purdue volleyball program welcomed home alum and two-time All-American Val Nichol as the newest addition to the coaching staff. Returning to the Boilermakers as the volunteer assistant coach, Nichol begins her new role immediately, with the start of the team's preseason training.
Nichol donned the Purdue jersey from 2011-2014, where she was named an AVCA third-team selection as a junior and an honorable mention selection as a senior. Since graduating, the setter continued her career overseas for five seasons, playing for professional club teams in Germany and Poland, guiding both flags to championship appearances and winning the German Super Cup and the Coppa di Germany during her tenure. During the off season, Nichol coached numerous camps and clinics, including as a US Sports Camp coach.
"Val's unique experience as a floor general for pro teams will allow her to provide insightful training to all of our athletes, especially our setters," said head coach Dave Shondell. "She brings a level of intensity to the gym that will benefit our team's mental toughness. As a collegiate athlete, Val played three positions: outside hitter, opposite and setter. Her knowledge of various positions has made her transition to a court coach very natural."
During her time in West Lafayette, Nichol became the Purdue record-holder with four career triple-doubles and added 30 double-doubles. As a senior, the Normal, Illinois, native averaged 10.08 assists, 2.29 digs and 1.25 kills per set in addition to a team-best 25 aces.
"Once a Boilermaker, always a Boilermaker," said Nichol. "I am beyond excited to be back, but this time on the other side of things. I'm so thankful for this opportunity. Boiler Up!"
In addition to her All-America status, Nichol's decorated collegiate history includes two All-Northeast Region tabs, a pair of All-Big Ten and Academic All-Big Ten accolades and an NCAA Champaign Regional All-Tournament Team nod for her performance in the Boilermakers' 2013 NCAA tournament run.
Nichol donned the Purdue jersey from 2011-2014, where she was named an AVCA third-team selection as a junior and an honorable mention selection as a senior. Since graduating, the setter continued her career overseas for five seasons, playing for professional club teams in Germany and Poland, guiding both flags to championship appearances and winning the German Super Cup and the Coppa di Germany during her tenure. During the off season, Nichol coached numerous camps and clinics, including as a US Sports Camp coach.
"Val's unique experience as a floor general for pro teams will allow her to provide insightful training to all of our athletes, especially our setters," said head coach Dave Shondell. "She brings a level of intensity to the gym that will benefit our team's mental toughness. As a collegiate athlete, Val played three positions: outside hitter, opposite and setter. Her knowledge of various positions has made her transition to a court coach very natural."
During her time in West Lafayette, Nichol became the Purdue record-holder with four career triple-doubles and added 30 double-doubles. As a senior, the Normal, Illinois, native averaged 10.08 assists, 2.29 digs and 1.25 kills per set in addition to a team-best 25 aces.
"Once a Boilermaker, always a Boilermaker," said Nichol. "I am beyond excited to be back, but this time on the other side of things. I'm so thankful for this opportunity. Boiler Up!"
In addition to her All-America status, Nichol's decorated collegiate history includes two All-Northeast Region tabs, a pair of All-Big Ten and Academic All-Big Ten accolades and an NCAA Champaign Regional All-Tournament Team nod for her performance in the Boilermakers' 2013 NCAA tournament run.