Nels Norquist (left) is welcomed as the college's next women's volleyball coach by Dave Johnson, Corban's Director of Athletics.
Norquist Named Corban's Volleyball Coach
SALEM, Ore. – Former Cascade College head coach Nels Norquist has been named the new head women’s volleyball coach at Corban, as announced Wednesday by Dave Johnson, Director of Athletics at Corban College.
“I am extremely excited about the addition of Nels to our athletics staff,” said Johnson. “He brings a wealth of knowledge of the club volleyball circuit to our school and has a great eye for first-class volleyball players.”
Norquist takes the reigns from former head coach Heather Dunn, who stepped down after two seasons to focus on family and ministry opportunities with The Master’s Mission in North Carolina.
“I can’t wait to get into the gym,” said Norquist. “The team’s already been making progress in the right direction and I hope to continue that and get this program back into the playoffs.”
Prior to his arrival at Corban, Norquist coached at fellow NAIA Cascade Collegiate Conference member Cascade in 2008, where he led the Thunderbirds to their most wins in more than a decade. Norquist coached All-CCC honorable mention Natalie Forgan last season, while helping the T-birds to victories in two of their final three matches.
Before Cascade, Norquist spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Clackamas Community College under long-time head coach Kathie Woods. For the Cougars, Norquist concentrated on skill development and recruiting that included former Warriors Rachel Gowen and Margo Wyatt. During his time at Clackamas, the 2006 Cougars amassed an impressive 41-9 record and advanced to a second-place finish in the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC).
Norquist also spent four seasons at Canby High School coaching freshman volleyball and serving as a varsity assistant.
Currently the head position for the 18’s Premier Black team at North Clackamas Volleyball Club, Norquist coached the club’s 16’s Premier team to a 4th place finish in the Gold Division at the 102-team Columbia Empire Volleyball Association (CEVA) Regionals this past spring.
As to his immediate goals for the Warrior program, Norquist didn’t hesitate: “I hope to continue to bring strong Christian athletes in who can compete at the highest level, get beyond simply making the playoffs, and be successful in the post-season.”
Norquist, who becomes the college’s fourth coach since 1988, will begin duties July 6th.