Lee Nelson begins his first season as an assistant with the Fresno State volleyball team. He will be responsible as the Bulldogs defensive coordinator working primarily with middle blockers. He will also be the program's recruiting coordinator.
Nelson comes to Fresno from his most previous coaching period at Nevada, where he served as an assistant coach for the Wolf Pack team from 1999-2000.
Nelson's prior experience also includes a stint with UC Santa Barbara, where he served as the first assistant for the UCSB men's team from 1997-99. While working with the UCSB men, Nelson also worked at Santa Barbara City College, serving as an assistant with the men's squad in 1995 and with the women's team from 1997-98.
Nelson spent 1985-89 playing on the UCSB men's volleyball team. He was a starting member of the '88 squad that advanced to the NCAA Tournament finals and he finished No. 3 nationally in hitting percentage as a senior.
From 1991-92 Nelson played professionally in Europe on the Delta Lloyd Division team in Uithoorn, Holland and from 1996-97 he was a member of the Metso-Lentis First Division team in Jyvaskyla, Finland.
"Coach Nelson brings strong experience and a unique background into our program," said head coach Ruben Nieves. I am impressed with so many of his qualities including his great personality and professionalism."
Originally from Santa Barbara, Nelson graduated from UCSB in 1991 with a B.A. in history and environmental studies. He received his social studies teaching credential from Cal State Chico in 1995. Nelson also received a master's degree in history while at Nevada in 2005.
