Co-Lin Announces Anna Nelson as First Head Volleyball Coach

WESSON – The Copiah-Lincoln Community College athletic department is excited to announce that Anna Nelson has been hired as the first head volleyball coach in program history. Nelson will lead the team in their inaugural season in the fall of 2026.

"We are excited to have Anna Nelson join the Co-Lin team as our new volleyball coach," said Co-Lin President Dr. Dewayne Middleton. "Her passion for developing young athletes and her dedication to fostering a positive team culture make her an exceptional fit for our college. We're excited for the future of Lady Wolves Volleyball under her guidance. Her experience and vision for the program align perfectly with our goals for excellence. We are confident that Coach Nelson will lead our student-athletes to new heights."

Nelson, a native of West Memphis, Arkansas, brings coaching and playing experience from multiple levels of volleyball from club all the way to Division I in the NCAA. After finishing her five-year high school career in West Memphis, Nelson, attended Jacksonville State where she was a four-year member of the volleyball team from 2019-2022. During her time with the Gamecocks, she was a three-time conference champion including two Ohio Valley Conference titles in 2019 and 2020 and one Atlantic Sun Conference title in 2021. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Nelson transferred to the University of Southern Mississippi to play her final season of eligibility. She is also currently working on earning her MBA from USM.

"We are thrilled to have a coach with Anna's passion and energy to come in and start our volleyball program," stated Co-Lin Athletic Director Bryan Nobile. "We trust Anna to build an immediate culture of hard work, commitment, and be very competitive that will define Co-Lin volleyball for the future."

"I want to give all the Glory and recognition to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ because without Him, none of this is possible. I am extremely humbled and filled with gratitude to step into this special time within Co-Lin Athletics as its first ever Head Women's Volleyball Coach," stated Nelson. "I would like to thank Bryan Nobile, Dr. Middleton, and the hiring committee at Co-Lin for this opportunity and choosing me to take on this Inaugural Program. I am forever grateful for entrusting me to lead this program and be a part of the Co-Lin family."

Nelson comes to Co-Lin from Mississippi College where she has been the assistant since January of 2025 where her responsibilities including assisting with the daily operations of the program including all recruiting for the Choctaws. Prior to that she was the assistant coach at Brandon High School in the 2024 season where she helped guide the Bulldogs to a 30-8 overall record, first place in Region 3-7A, and the semifinals of the state tournament. She also has coaching experience at the club level with Infinity Volleyball Club in Ridgeland while prior to coming to the Magnolia State, she also coached with Mobile Storm Volleyball Club.

Nelson said she is excited about the unique opportunity of being the first coach in program history and is ready to build the foundation for Co-Lin Volleyball.

"The beginning is often many things; beautiful, intimidating, inspiring, and difficult. When I envision the foundation of Co-Lin Volleyball, I am so eager and excited to step into this season and begin to build something special," stated Nelson. "The vision for Co-Lin Volleyball will be to establish a championship-caliber women's volleyball program that empowers student-athletes to excel in competition, academics, and leadership. As head coach, my mission will be to cultivate a program grounded in integrity, relentless effort, and community, developing future-ready women through sport and education. We will be a program grounded in integrity and rooted in love for our sport and our program."

"I believe the beginning of this program will achieve things most would not think are possible," added Nelson. "There are kids out there craving for the opportunity to be a part of something special, and I am confident we can build that at Copiah-Lincoln Community College."