Kaitlin Nielsen

Kaitlin Nielsen is a former Associate Head Coach of the University of Kansas Jayhawk volleyball team from 2018 to 2024, where she coached 12 All-Big 12 selections, 5 All-Big 12 Rookie Team selections, 1 Big 12 Freshman of the Year, and 9 AVCA All-Region honorees. Under her guidance, the Jayhawks made four NCAA Tournament appearances, including three 2nd-round finishes and a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2021. Prior to Kansas, she spent six seasons at UCLA, helping the Bruins compile a 123-67 record and mentoring 18 All-American award winners, 16 AVCA All-Region honorees, and 24 All-Pac 12 awardees. She also played a key role in helping UCLA reach the Sweet 16 in four consecutive NCAA Tournaments, including a 2016 NCAA Regional Final appearance. Additionally, Nielsen was part of the inaugural UCLA Beach Volleyball program in 2013, leading the team to an AVCA National Championship appearance, and in 2014, helped the team make a Beach Championships appearance. Recognized for her coaching potential, Nielsen received the 2016 AVCA Thirty Under 30 Award. As a former professional beach volleyball player, she competed in 22 events, including the AVP Tour and international competitions like FIVB and NORCECA. Nielsen is married to former U.S. National Team member Nils Nielsen, and they have two daughters.