Nikki Dailey Named Volleyball Assistant Coach

Feb. 14, 2018

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia volleyball head coach Aaron Smith announced the addition of Nikki Dailey to the Cavaliers’ staff on Wednesday (Feb. 14).

Dailey, who joins the Hoos as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, spent last season as an assistant at Tennessee. With the Lady Vols, Dailey worked with the setters and directed the backcourt defense. She will continue to work with the setters at UVA.

“Nikki is going to be a great addition to UVA volleyball,” Smith said. “She brings experience from both her playing and coaching backgrounds that will help mentor our current and prospective student-athletes. Nikki is extremely outgoing and is able to connect with anyone. She will lead our recruiting efforts and I believe she will do a phenomenal job both identifying talent and getting our top prospects to Grounds.”

Prior to her season at Tennessee, Dailey was an assistant coach at East Tennessee State where she helped guide the Buccaneers to the 2016 Southern Conference regular season championship. Under her tutelage, ETSU setters averaged better than 13 assists per set while setting the Bucs to a .243 hitting percentage in 2016.

“I am thrilled to become part of the Virginia volleyball family,” Dailey said. “The Grounds and community is one of the most storied and stunning atmospheres I have seen. Under this program’s exceptional leadership and vision, I am beyond excited to start contributing to a culture of excellence.”

Dailey has also spent the last three years as the head coach of the 16’s and 17’s at the Kingsport Volleyball Club in Kingsport, Tenn.

A 2014 Iowa graduate, Dailey was a four-year letter winner for the Hawkeyes. The former setter ranks fifth all-time in Iowa history for career assists and also ranks in the top 15 in aces and digs.

Dailey earned her bachelor’s in interdepartmental studies and communication studies at Iowa before completing her master’s in kinesiology and sport studies at ETSU.