Charlotte, NC – First a two-time National Champion, now a two-time Coach of the Year. Phil Nickel of Dallas College – Eastfield has been named the 2024 NJCAA Division III Volleyball Coach of the Year.
Joining Dallas – Eastfield in 2022, Nickel led the Harvester Bees to their second national title in the 2023 NJCAA DIII Volleyball Championship. With an undefeated year in 2023, Nickel initiated a shift in the program that will carry on for years to come. The 2024 season brought forth similar success as the Harvester Bees finished the year with just one loss and a record of 34-1. Their unstoppable year concluded with another national title in the 2024 NJCAA DIII Volleyball Championship.
"Coach Nickel put together not only a team that went 69-1 and won back-to-back national championships over the last two years, he developed a culture of success where athletes thrive - on the court, in the classroom and as members of the community," stated Anthony Fletcher, Dallas College-Eastfield athletic director.
Dallas – Eastfield remained high in the 2024 national rankings all season long. From the first preseason poll to the final poll, the Harvester Bees were number one in the nation for the entire year. Nickel's approach has cultivated an environment of success within the student-athletes. They led the nation in kills per set, assists per set and points per set. They were second in the nation in block assists while coming in third in kills, hitting percentage and assists. Their triumphs since Nickel's emergence as head coach have been unparalleled.
In the championship match of the 2024 National Tournament, Dallas – Eastfield was dominant as they took all three sets from Minnesota West. The Harvester Bees did not let up throughout the entire tournament as they went undefeated, not losing a single set.
As Nickel furthers his coaching at Dallas – Eastfield, the dominance of the Harvester Bees will continue to shine through. His tangible success showcases the grit and determination he has instilled in his team.