Growing up in Washington state, Coach Bryan Nicholson developed a strong passion for sports at a young age. He played soccer and baseball as a kid. When he got to high school he became a four-sport athlete. He played football, basketball, track and baseball.

“Sports have played a big part in my life from the time I was a little kid,” Nicholson said. “I’ve learned so much from the situations that athletics puts you into and have had some great people coach and teach me.”

After high school Nicholson thought his athletic career had come to an end. He turned down an offer to play basketball for a junior college and decided to attend Utah State to get his education. He ended up rooming with someone that played on the men’s volleyball team. Nicholson grew interested in volleyball and started playing it with friends for fun.

His roommate and friends noticed that Nicholson had become very good at the game. They convinced him to tryout for the team. He did so and to his surprise, he made the team. After a couple seasons Nicholson found himself as the starting outside hitter for the Utah State men’s volleyball team.

Right after college Nicholson landed a job coaching volleyball and track in Abderdeen, Idaho. He and his wife then moved to Utah where he coached volleyball and track at Riverton High School.

As Herriman High was being built, Nicholson was approached to start up the volleyball program for the new school. He gladly accepted the job and has now been coaching here for the past five years.

Coaching is something that Nicholson has grown to love over the years. One of his favorite parts about it is the relationships created with the athletes. He says it’s a very rewarding feeling for him to see how his former athletes have grown to be successful.

When asked about his coaching plans for the future Nicholson said, “I have two little boys, so I don’t think as a father you can ever stop coaching.  As far as coaching sports…I think when I lose my passion for coaching or get to the point that I feel I’m not the right person for the program, I’d hang it up.  I’ve got a lot of years left in me though.”