Nicholas, a native of Hollywood, Fla. comes to the Herd with more than 23 years of volleyball experience in coaching, recruiting and training at every level.

"It's an honor to have an opportunity to work with Mitch Jacobs and be here at Marshall," Nicholas said. "I was really impressed not only with the university but the community as well. I look forward to work with the team and continue the winning tradition that Mitch has already started."

At the collegiate level, Nicholas has served as the women's head coach at Troy University (2004-05) and Lehigh University (1997-2004) and the men's head coach at the U.S. Naval Academy (1985-1990).

In addition to his head coaching duties, Nicholas has served as an assistant coach at the international, collegiate and professional levels. At the collegiate level he worked at The Ohio State University (1995-97), Purdue University (1994-95), the U.S. Naval Academy (1992-94) and George Mason University (1983-85) where the team finished in the Final Four two years in a row. He also served as USA Women's National A-2 Team assistant coach in (1999-2001) and the USA Girl's 14 and under head coach (1997-2000). Professionally, Nicholas was an assistant for the San Diego Spikers (1994).

During the 1994 season the Spikers went on to become National Volleyball Association's champions as Nicholas filled in as head coach for the post season.

Nicholas earned his bachelor's degree at George Mason in Recreation and Leisure Services in 1986, while being a member of the George Mason men's volleyball team.

During his collegiate career George Mason achieved its first-ever top ten finish in the national rankings and advanced to the conference championship finals.

"It shows how far Marshall volleyball has come to be able to attract an assistant coach with such an extensive background," Jacobs said. "I believe this will put us on the right path to regain a Conference USA championship."

Nicholas Volleyball History

George Mason - Men's Assistant Coach (1983-85)

U.S. Naval Academy - Men's Head Coach (1985-1990), Women's Assistant Coach (1992-94)

U.S. Olympic Sports Festival Team - Head Coach (1990)

U.S. Army - All-Army Women's Volleyball Team Head Coach (1993)

USA Women's National Team - Technical Assistant (1993-94)

San Diego Spikers (NVA) - Women's Assistant Coach (1994)

Purdue - Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator (1994-95)

Ohio State - Assistant Coach (1995-97)

USA Boys' Junior and Youth National Teams - On-site Director (1997-99), Assistant Coach (1997)

NCAA Youth Education through Sports (YES) - On-site Coordinator (1997)

USA Girls' 14 and Under National Team - Head Coach (1997-2000), On-site director, Coordinator and Evaluator (1997-present)

Lehigh - Women's Head Coach (1997-2004)

USA Girls' Junior National Team - On-site Director, Coordinator and Evaluator (1998-99)

USA Women's National A-2 Team - Assistant Coach (1999 and 2001)

Troy - Women's Head Coach (2004-05)

Austin Juniors Volleyball Club - Head Coach and ASC/Program Coordinator (2005-06)

River City Juniors - Head Coach (2006-present)

High Performance Training Volleyball School - Owner (2005-present)