Hello! My name is Nicole (Nikki) Diamond and I am the Club Director and Head Coach of 18 Cyclones. Volleyball has been a major part of my life since I was 5 years old playing on my first team in Chicago. I played volleyball up until college for school and club; Belusa VBC being the club I ended playing for my 16-18’s years. After high school I decided to focus on my studies and my career, I also began coaching for Belusa. Throughout high school I coached at Holy Family School in Shorewood. Once in college I began to coach at both Holy Family and Belusa.

 

I spent twelve years coaching at Holy Family; coaching girls and boys volleyball. I spent seven seasons coaching at Belusa Volleyball Club before taking over as Club Director and Coach for Belusa United in 2013. In 2017, my team finished Power League with a 23-2 record, winning the Windy City Power League. This marked the best finish in Belusa / Belusa United history. In 2018, we finished with a 16-4 record, finishing 3rd and in 2019 placed in the top 16.

 

While I am the Club Director and Head Coach for 18's Cyclones again this season, club volleyball is not my only job. I am currently in my 11th year teaching at Minooka Community High School in their Special Education department, as well as coach in the girls volleyball program. With MCHS I was lucky enough to assist the varsity coaches and players in 2016 and 2017 to the state tournament where we placed second both years.

 

This season marks my 19th being a part of Belusa / Belusa United and my ninth directing and coaching. Last season 18 Cyclones finished with a 51-19 record, finishing strong at AAU's and winning the Chicago Spring Classic. I am excited to see what this year brings both coaching the 18's and working with all of our teams.