Kathleen Nance


Coach Kathleen Nance

Coach Kathleen Nance

High School: Bishop Kelley High School, Tulsa, OK. 

College: University of Dallas

Playing Experience:  I started playing competitively at age 10 for a club team in Tulsa.  I continued to play club at the national level until age 17.  I started as an outside hitter, then transitioned to setting and later transitioned to a DS and then libero position.  I played for my high school as a setter, outside hitter and eventually a DS.  I lettered on varsity in my junior and senior year, and we were state champions both of those years.  I went on to play for the University of Dallas, where my primary position was libero.  I was an All-American Honorable Mention in my senior year.   

Coaching Experience: I began coaching club when I was a senior in high school.  I have coached club teams in Oklahoma, Texas, and Michigan in various age groups ranging from 11U to 18U.  While coaching club in Oklahoma, I coached several national teams.  I coached for Cascia Hall High School in Tulsa, OK before moving to Traverse City in 2013.  When we moved here, I became the director of volleyball at East Middle School and began coaching club for GTAVC.  Following this I became the varsity coach at Central High School and began coaching club for Northshore.  After leaving Central to spend more time with my growing family, I started coaching 7th and 8th grade at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.

Why I Coach: I have learned so much and gained so much from this sport.  This game teaches skills beyond what you need to actually play the game and can provide the opportunity to form life-long bonds with others.  I coach because I love to share this others, and I love that I never stop learning from the coaches I have the privilege to coach with and the kids I have the privilege to coach.  I strongly believe that we are all capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for, and I love the moments where I get to see the kids I coach accomplish something they didn’t know they could or something that they have been working so hard to accomplish.   

Personal Life:  I am married to the love of my life, Russell Nance.  We were married in June of 2005 and have 4 children, Avery, Dexton, Sara and Aaron.  I work for a company in Oklahoma called Effective Teaching/Learning.  We provide behavioral support services for individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges.  I currently assist others to develop intervention plans and ensure that all plans follow state guidelines.  My husband teaches theology at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.