Sharon Nelson named 2012 Two-Year College Southwest Region Coach of the Year

Jeannie Peng-Armao -- December 5, 2012

PASADENA, Texas – The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) has named San Jacinto College Volleyball Head Coach, Sharon Nelson, as the 2012 Two-Year College Southwest Region Coach of the Year.

In her 11th season at the helm of the San Jacinto College volleyball team, Nelson has proven she is one of the top coaches in the nation, winning more than 75 percent of her matches and capturing her 300th career win with a 3-0 (25-12, 25-13, 25-15) win over Dodge City Community College at the Iowa Western Invitational in Council Bluffs, Iowa, in August.

With nine conference titles, Nelson's team entered the 2012 national tournament ranked No. 1 in the nation.

"It's humbling, but really, it's a testament to hard work and the rewards that come with staying focused on our goals," said Nelson. "We had a wonderful season that brought with it many achievements we set forth to accomplish from the very beginning. I couldn't be more proud of the players, the talents they brought to the team, and how they've grown to move on and continue their success."

The San Jac volleyball team went 3-1 at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) tournament last month, defeating No. 13 Casper College, No. 5 Tyler Junior College and No. 3 Iowa Western Community College. It is the seventh consecutive top-10 national finish under Nelson after finishing fourth a year ago and as national runner-up in 2010.

Nelson takes home her second AVCA Region Coach of the Year honor, winning in 2010. San Jacinto College sophomores Marie-Pierre Bakima and Marlaina Pleydle were also recognized by the AVCA for their season accomplishments. Bakima was selected for First-Team All-America, while Pleydle was selected for Second-Team All-America.

Awards will be officially presented at the 2012 Jostens Coaches Honors Luncheon in Louisville, Ky. on Thursday, Dec. 13, at the 2012 American Volleyball Coaches Association Annual Convention.

About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for more than 50 years. The Achieving the Dream Leader College is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of 30,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate options, including university transfer and career preparation. Students also benefit from the College’s job training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of growing industries in the region. San Jacinto College graduates contribute nearly $630 million each year to the Texas workforce. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

For more information about San Jacinto College, please call 281-998-6150, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.