Nickie Sanlin Named 2025 AVCA Men's National Collegiate Coach of the Year

LEXINGTON, Ky. - McKendree men's volleyball head coach Nickie Sanlin has been named the 2025 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Men's National Collegiate Coach of the Year.

Sanlin received this honor after leading McKendree to its first-ever Midwest Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) regular-season title. She guided the Bearcats to a program-high 20 wins, including a 12-game winning streak, earning her the MIVA Coach of the Year award.

Under Sanlin's leadership, three Bearcats were named to the 2025 AVCA All-American teams, headlined by sophomore setter Nate Flayter, who was named to the All-American Second Team. Senior middle blocker D'Aaron McCraney and junior libero Yadiel Diaz received All-American Honorable Mention honors.

Sanlin is the first-ever female head coach to win the AVCA Men's National Collegiate Coach of the Year award. She leads an all-female coaching staff, including assistant coaches Miranda Rodriguez and Janeese VerVelde, student assistant Amber Williams, and athletic trainer Sydney Diekhoff.

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Players Mentioned

#6 Yadiel Diaz: DS/L; 5' 6"; Junior

#23 D'Aaron McCraney: MB; 6' 9"; Senior

#26 Nate Flayter: Setter; 6' 4"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#6 Yadiel Diaz
: 5' 6"; Junior
: DS/L

#23 D'Aaron McCraney
: 6' 9"; Senior
: MB

#26 Nate Flayter
: 6' 4"; Sophomore
: Setter

Players Mentioned

#6 Yadiel Diaz

#23 D'Aaron McCraney

#26 Nate Flayter

Players Mentioned

#6 Yadiel Diaz

#23 D'Aaron McCraney

#26 Nate Flayter