LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska Wesleyan University and head volleyball coach Rayna Cain announced the hiring of Nick Erdman as the program's first full-time assistant coach on Friday. Erdman brings over a decade of coaching experience at the high school, club, and collegiate levels to the Prairie Wolves.
Erdman joins NWU after serving as the head women's volleyball coach at Iowa Lakes Community College, where he led the program through a successful rebuild. During his tenure, he recruited and developed five All-Region XI players, guided six NJCAA All-Academic Team members, and maintained a team GPA above 3.2. His efforts also resulted in five players advancing to NCAA Division III or NAIA programs.
"I am really grateful to Coach Cain and Athletic Director Dwight Merilatt for the opportunity to join the Nebraska Wesleyan Volleyball staff and Athletic Department," Erdman said. "I'm excited for the opportunity to join a program and University that has been extremely successful athletically, culturally, and academically. I'm looking forward to bringing my competitive drive and passion for student-athlete success and to add to an already outstanding university and volleyball program."
Prior to Iowa Lakes, Erdman served as the head girls volleyball coach at Sheboygan Falls High School in Wisconsin, where he built a championship-caliber program. He also has extensive club coaching experience, including stints with Rise MKE Volleyball Club and South Shore Slam Volleyball Club, where he developed athletes across multiple age groups and helped guide them through the college recruiting process.
Erdman holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning from Concordia University Wisconsin, where he also earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics with a minor in coaching. A former collegiate baseball and club volleyball player, Erdman brings a unique perspective to the role, emphasizing the importance of mental toughness, leadership, and team culture.
As the first full-time assistant in program history, Erdman will play a key role in recruiting, player development, and day-to-day operations. His hiring marks a significant step forward for NWU volleyball as the program continues to elevate its presence in the American Rivers Conference and beyond.
