As the founding head coach, Nelson has guided RCC volleyball to seven consecutive
playoff appearances, including South Region Championships in 2019, 2020, and 2025.
The Ospreys have fourth and fifth place finishes in the NWAC. She was named NWAC South
Region Coach of the Year in 2019. Under her leadership, student-athletes have advanced
to four-year programs, NCAA Division I competition and professional play.
Before joining RCC, Nelson spent six seasons at Grays Harbor College, where she rebuilt a dormant volleyball program. Her coaching career spans more than 20 years at the collegiate, high school and club levels. She previously led Hoquiam High School to its first Evergreen League Championship and coached multiple sports at Yelm High School while teaching history, PE and leadership.
Nelson began her career in the Bethel School District, helping guide Bethel High School to a state championship and earning recognition as a Hall of Fame coach. She is also a Hall of Fame athlete from Montesano High School, where she competed in three sports.
In addition to volleyball, Nelson has coached basketball at multiple levels. She served as head women’s basketball coach at Grays Harbor and as an assistant coach at Concordia University in Portland, where the team won two Cascade Conference Championships and advanced to the NAIA National Tournament Sweet Sixteen in 2009.
Nelson holds a bachelor’s degree from Pacific Lutheran University and a master’s degree in education and technology from Lesley University. With a record of 109-59 at RCC, she continues to build a culture of excellence focused on student-athlete success on the court and in the classroom.