CSB volleyball head coach Nicole Hess claims 300th career win

On Oct. 7, head volleyball coach Nicole Hess reached her 300th career win in a 3-0 defeat of Macalester. This achievement is an opportunity to reflect on Hess’s successful career as well as her impact on the CSB+SJU community.

“The milestone is not mine alone, and I am thankful for all of the athletes that have played for us over the years as well as the coaches that have chosen to work with me,” Hess said.

Hess started her volleyball career in high school at Bethlehem Academy in Faribault, Minn. and continued to play collegiately at St. Olaf. During this time, she had the privilege of playing on many successful teams under several great coaches. Hess began coaching at St. Thomas right after finishing her college career.

“When I was a senior at St. Olaf the St. Thomas volleyball coach, Cole Tallman at the time, asked if I was interested in coaching at UST as a volunteer assistant,” Hess said. “I spent one season there, and then in January of 2003 I was hired at St. Kate’s as the first full-time head coach.”

Hess coached for seven seasons at St. Catherine before coming to CSB, earning 64 wins with the Wildcats. The remaining 236 wins have been here at CSB.

“I have learned a lot about myself over the last twenty years and am so appreciative of the opportunity to do what I love each and every day,” Hess said.

Hess has not only influenced the success of the volleyball program during her time coaching at CSB, but she has also made a large impact on her athletes. She pushes her athletes in practice and holds them to high standards, yet still acts with sympathy and care.

“Nicole is a very enthusiastic, supportive, positive and goal-oriented coach,” junior Emma Guest said.

The win against Macalester was not only an accomplishment for Coach Hess but also for many players who delivered impressive performances. Senior Gabby Heying achieved her 14th double-double of the season, adding 11 kills on 40 attacks with 12 digs. Guest had 15 kills (27 attacks) and a career and season-best .481 hitting mark, obtaining her 11th double-digit kill total of the season. Guest attributes the team’s success to Coach Hess.

“Her coaching style has created this team to be successful,” Guest said.

Junior Mackenzie McDonald agreed that Hess is responsible for the team’s success by holding them accountable at every practice and game.

“Nicole has contributed to the success of the team by pushing us to be our best,” McDonald said.

The mutual respect and admiration between Hess and her athletes is evident, and this dynamic has allowed Hess to create a strong bond with her athletes over the years.

“I have enjoyed working with our incredible student-athletes here at St. Ben’s,” Hess said. “Getting to know them and their families during the recruiting process and throughout their time at CSB has been so rewarding.”

The CSB+SJU community celebrates Nicole Hess and is thankful to be a part of this great career milestone. The Bennies are back in action at home this weekend, where they will take on St. Olaf and Gustavus.