Morristown, N.J. – At Saint Elizabeth University, we have some of the most talented Athletics staff in the country. We would like to share some insight behind the way our coaches think, and provide some background as to how they got into the position they are today. Next up, our head women's volleyball coach Nicole Bolash shares how her athletic background has molded her into the leader and coach she is today.
 
What is your background as a player?
I have been playing volleyball since I was in 6th grade. I played in middle school, high school, and played at Kean University from 2007-2011.

Explain how you became involved in your sport, and how/why did you fall in love with the game? Do you have any specific memories that made you appreciate the game? What is your favorite memory as a player?
I started playing at family events when I was younger and really enjoyed playing. I tried out for my middle school team in 6th grade and loved it  I kept playing throughout high school, although I never played club or travel because basketball and softball were my top sports at the time. Then I decided to play volleyball in college rather than basketball or softball.

Some favorite memories I have include: winning the Hunterdon/Warren County Championship my junior year of high school. I was a starter my freshman year at Kean. My sophomore year at Kean, we went to the University of the Virgin Islands for a preseason tournament. Going into my junior year, we were looking to hire a new coach and our athletic director at the time asked me to sit in on all of the interviews; this is when we hired Don Perkins. He has been a very big volleyball influence in my life.  He has built up the program at Kean and continues to do so. I am inspired to do just the same thing. 

When did you decide to get into coaching and why?
I decided to coach when I was in college. I was helping out with camps back at my high school then I decided to coach club volleyball. I enjoyed playing volleyball growing up. The sport is such a high energy thrill. It's the best feeling when you get an awesome block, dig, kill, set, etc.! That feeling of excitement hits and your teammates are just as pumped up as you. It's hard to describe when it comes to words, I just know that adrenaline is powerful! I wanted to provide my student-athletes with that same feeling of accomplishment and passion for the sport. I hope that I can inspire athletes to fall in love with the sport just as I did.

What made you choose Saint Elizabeth? What is special about SEU?
I chose Saint Elizabeth because it was the perfect opportunity and fit for me. A smaller Division III school where the student-athletes are there for the love of the game. 

Do you have any mentors? Who are they and what is their background? How did they help you in your career and as a person?
Don Perkins has been a mentor to me. He pushed me to become a better player and he built up the program at Kean. He has expanded my volleyball network as well as continues to reach out to me about players, camps, etc. He was the one who told me about the open position at Saint Elizabeth. He continues to help me find recruits and coaching opportunities. 

What is the most rewarding part of being a coach?
The most rewarding part of coaching is building a relationship with each student-athlete. I enjoy seeing student-athletes challenge themselves and see their progression over time on and off the court.

What is your favorite part of being a coach?
My favorite part of being a coach is developing student-athletes. Don't get me wrong, as a coach winning is always nice, but the journey towards those wins is what's most important. If we, as a team, are playing well and having fun, most likely we will be winning.