DANVILLE, Va. --- Averett University announced the promotion of Emma Nash '24 as head coach for women's volleyball on Thursday. Nash played five seasons for the Cougars before serving as an assistant coach with Averett's women's and men's programs during the spring.

"I'm excited and exceptionally blessed to have this opportunity lead the program," Nash said. "As an alumna, this role is even more special to me. It's a chance to give back to the game and the university that shaped me into who I am today. Averett women's volleyball has become an integral part of my journey, and I'm so excited to be in a position to contribute to its growth and help it become a part of others' journeys. I can't wait to build onto its strong foundation and see what this team will accomplish."

In addition to being named the head coach of the women's volleyball program, Nash will continue to assist the men's volleyball program and will serve as the interim men's head coach.

"I am excited to have Emma lead our women's volleyball program," Averett Director of Athletics Danny Miller said. "She represented Averett amazingly as a student-athlete before transitioning to coaching after last fall. During the spring, she helped the men's program go through a season without a head coach, which gave her invaluable experience that is not usually gained by an assistant. Her work ethic, energy and enthusiasm are contagious, and I can't wait to see the program continue to grow under her leadership."

A native of Monroe, North Carolina, Nash played five seasons for the Cougars from 2020-24 and totaled 1,189 career kills in nearly 500 matches over 139 sets played. She also totaled 284 career blocks, 707 digs and 112 service aces. Nash earned All-Old Dominion Athletic Conference Second Team honors in 2023 and 2024, was named to the 2022 and 2023 All-ODAC Tournament Team and received the Dr. Frank Campbell Sportsmanship Award at Averett's Night of Champions during the 2023-24 academic year. She was selected as Averett's Barbara Kushubar Female Student-Athlete of the Year in 2024-25. Nash also succeeded in the classroom, earning multiple academic all-conference honors and was named to the Virginia Sports Information Directors Academic All-State Team and Academic All-District Team selected by the College Sports Communicators multiple times.

Nash earned her bachelor's degree in art from Averett in May 2024 and is currently pursuing a master's degree from Averett.