Northwest Notes Nov. 5, 2021

Gonzaga volleyball coach Nelson resigns after six seasons

SPOKANE — Gonzaga volleyball coach Diane Nelson announced her resignation Thursday, stepping down as head coach at the conclusion of the year.

Nelson is in her sixth season as the GU coach and the 10th on the Zag coaching staff. Her 67 wins as head coach rank fourth all-time in program history. A former Bulldog, Nelson was the first alum to take the reins of the volleyball program.

“I am so grateful for the family I have at Gonzaga,” Nelson said in a GU news release. “As an alum, I am proud to have been a part of the growth of this volleyball program. The decision to step down was not taken lightly; but, I know it is best for me and my family. I love this team and staff for the commitment they have made to me and for allowing me to be a part of their journey. And, as I like to think about change, I just hope I left it better than I found it.”

Nelson is 67-92 at Gonzaga. The Zags are 7-17 this season, after losing at home to BYU on Thursday night.

Hanah Stoddard, a Lake City High senior setter/hitter, verbally committed to the Zags in July.

Nelson was the first coach in Gonzaga history to record at least 11 wins in each of her first four seasons.

During her first year at the helm of the program in 2016, Nelson guided the Zags to one of the best seasons in the last 27 years. The Zags went 17-11 overall and 10-8 in WCC play, both marks better than any since at least 1994. The Zags finished third in the WCC, their highest finish in that span as well.

Nelson played at Gonzaga from 1995-98 and is one of 14 Zags who have posted 1,000 career kills, ending with 1,094.

A national search to fill the head coach position will begin in the near future.