York University Athletics & Recreation announced on Thursday that Jennifer Neilson has been selected as the head coach of the Lions women's volleyball program following a national search.
After wrapping up an outstanding playing career in 2015, Neilson has most recently been a coach within the Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA). She becomes the ninth head coach in women's volleyball program history.
Neilson began coaching at an elite level while attending the University of Toronto, as she spent time as an assistant coach with Team BC's 16-under women's team in 2013 and became an assistant coach with the Team Ontario 18-under team in 2014. After graduating from U of T with a bachelor of kinesiology in 2015, she became an assistant coach for the women's volleyball team at the University of Windsor while she completed her master's in human kinetics. Most recently she's been a head coach with the Halton Region Volleyball Club, Team Ontario's 16-under women's team, and worked with the OVA as high performance coordinator and apprentice coach.
"Jennifer has done a tremendous job in a number of different coaching roles and we are excited for her to become the leader of the women's volleyball program," said Jennifer Myers, Director of Athletics & Recreation at York. "She is a highly-motivated and driven coach who understands the demands of being a student-athlete and the commitment to academics in the classroom. I have no doubt she has the skills and vision to continue the great tradition of women's volleyball at York and lead our team to the top of the standings. I am thrilled to welcome Jennifer to the Lions family and look forward to seeing the team under her leadership this season and for many more to come."
Neilson is also well-rounded at the administrative level, having developed and managed programming for the OVA's high performance plan and lead their high performance athlete identification process.
"I am humbled, grateful, and excited to be appointed as the head coach of the women's volleyball program at York University," said Neilson. "I am thrilled for the opportunity that lies ahead and look forward to continuing to build on the legacy of success embedded in the York University women's volleyball program, and athletics at large. I can't wait to start working within the York athletics mission to promote excellence and foster a lifelong great student-athlete experience.
The women's volleyball program at York University has a deep culture of excellence within its roots, as a 15-time OUA championship program, a tradition of success I am driven to continue. The young women that have been a part of the program, both current and former, are quite remarkable, accomplished, and determined to be champions in all aspects of their lives. I look forward to the immense opportunity to collaborate, develop, and achieve success alongside them."
As a star outside hitter with the Varsity Blues, Neilson was named to the OUA all-star team three years in a row from 2013-15 and was named to the CIS national championship all-star team in 2015. The Port Coquitlam, BC native was also a two-time academic all-Canadian, and attended Volleyball Canada selection camps for the senior A team in 2014 and the FISU Games team in 2015.
Neilson replaces John May as head coach after two years with the team and will officially start her role on Monday July 30. May will be staying involved with the Lions in a transitionary role and working with the Athletics & Recreation Department on other projects. Her first game behind the Lions bench will be on Saturday Oct. 27 when the Lions kick off their season on the road against the Nipissing Lakers.
