George Washington University Athletics
Holmes Named Head Volleyball Coach at Rhode Island
1/16/2020 12:00:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
GW assistant helped lead program to pair of A-10 tournaments
WASHINGTON -Â GW volleyball associate head coach Nicki Holmes was named the new head coach at the University of Rhode Island on Thursday, ending his successful three-year tenure with the Colonials.
"It's bittersweet to leave such a wonderful place like GW because of the people," Holmes said. "These last few years here have been some of the best experiences in my coaching career, and I can't thank Sarah (Bernson), Tanya (Vogel)Â and the student-athletes enough for being visible displays of excellence. I look forward to seeing this athletic department and volleyball team have great success in the near future!"
Holmes brought a wealth of experience to the Buff & Blue, elevating the program to a pair of A-10 tournaments in his three seasons. Alongside head coach Sarah Bernson, Holmes guided the 2017 team to the conference semifinals, becoming the first No. 6 seed to advance past the first round of the tournament in the league's current format.
"As a friend and a colleague, I am grateful for Nicki joining me here at GW and contributing to the positive changes and success of the program," Bernson said. "I am sad to see him depart, but excited for him and this next opportunity. Rhode Island is getting a great coach that will aid in the growing competitiveness of the Atlantic 10."
This past season, Holmes aided the program in earning the No. 4 seed in the postseason and 15 wins overall, both of which were the program's highest marks since 2015. He was instrumental in the development of outside hitter Skylar Iott, who was GW's first representative on the postseason All-Conference team since 2016, as she earned second team honors.
Additionally, Holmes' experience groomed setter Jaimeson Lee into one of the best in GW history. Under his tutelage, Lee recorded 2,738 assists, the seventh-most in program annals.
"Nicki helped me take my setting to the next level," Lee said. "We broke down the skill and the mental part of the game as well. I'll forever be grateful for his dedication to this program and helping me become the setter that I am."
Holmes also represented the Buff & Blue on the international stage, serving as an assistant coach for Team USA and winning a gold medal at the FIVB U-18 World Championship this past September.Â
This will be Holmes' second head coaching stint, having previously served as bench boss at NC Central for two seasons (2014-15).
"It's bittersweet to leave such a wonderful place like GW because of the people," Holmes said. "These last few years here have been some of the best experiences in my coaching career, and I can't thank Sarah (Bernson), Tanya (Vogel)Â and the student-athletes enough for being visible displays of excellence. I look forward to seeing this athletic department and volleyball team have great success in the near future!"
Holmes brought a wealth of experience to the Buff & Blue, elevating the program to a pair of A-10 tournaments in his three seasons. Alongside head coach Sarah Bernson, Holmes guided the 2017 team to the conference semifinals, becoming the first No. 6 seed to advance past the first round of the tournament in the league's current format.
"As a friend and a colleague, I am grateful for Nicki joining me here at GW and contributing to the positive changes and success of the program," Bernson said. "I am sad to see him depart, but excited for him and this next opportunity. Rhode Island is getting a great coach that will aid in the growing competitiveness of the Atlantic 10."
This past season, Holmes aided the program in earning the No. 4 seed in the postseason and 15 wins overall, both of which were the program's highest marks since 2015. He was instrumental in the development of outside hitter Skylar Iott, who was GW's first representative on the postseason All-Conference team since 2016, as she earned second team honors.
Additionally, Holmes' experience groomed setter Jaimeson Lee into one of the best in GW history. Under his tutelage, Lee recorded 2,738 assists, the seventh-most in program annals.
"Nicki helped me take my setting to the next level," Lee said. "We broke down the skill and the mental part of the game as well. I'll forever be grateful for his dedication to this program and helping me become the setter that I am."
Holmes also represented the Buff & Blue on the international stage, serving as an assistant coach for Team USA and winning a gold medal at the FIVB U-18 World Championship this past September.Â
This will be Holmes' second head coaching stint, having previously served as bench boss at NC Central for two seasons (2014-15).
Players Mentioned
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