Nick Clark never imagined that he would become a coach for the Wolverines at the University of Michigan. Yet, here he stands in Ann Arbor, just half an hour from his hometown of Carleton, marking his second season as an assistant coach for the university's women's volleyball team.
"I never thought I'd coach at Michigan, the school I grew up cheering for," Clark shared in a recent interview. His second season has been remarkable, with the team showing a significant improvement from their performance in 2023. They finished in 10th place out of 18 teams in the 2024 Big Ten standings, achieving an 18-13 record—an impressive 11-win increase from the previous season.
The Road to Michigan
With a young team consisting of many freshmen and sophomores, the future looks promising. The Wolverines are aiming for the Top 25 or better in the coming seasons. The last time Michigan reached the NCAA tournament was in 2021, where they faced a first-round exit to Ball State.
Clark brings a wealth of experience to Michigan. Before joining the Wolverines, he was an assistant coach for both the men's and women's volleyball teams at Harvard. His coaching journey has also taken him to UC-Santa Barbara, Clarke University, the University of West Alabama, Pfeiffer University, and Siena Heights University. Clark's volleyball journey began during his time at Eastern Michigan University, where he played men's club volleyball while pursuing his bachelor's degree.
A Personal Journey
Throughout his coaching career, Clark has been accompanied by his husband, Rob. Both Michigan natives, the two met at a gay bar in metro Detroit in 2010, started dating in 2011, and married in 2017. Their love story continues to inspire Clark as he navigates his professional and personal life.
Clark has been openly gay in his profession for many years. He credits Outsports with helping him realize that he could be true to himself in the world of volleyball without being alone. "I remember when I was a young closeted gay man reading stories and realizing, oh, it's not just me," Clark explained.
The sport of volleyball has a notably high number of publicly out gay men. Many coaches and players, like Jake Barreau at Alabama and Merrick McHenry at UCLA, have found success while being open about their sexuality. Clark believes volleyball may have historically been seen as a women's sport, creating a safe space for many young gay men like himself.
Authenticity and Inspiration
Clark's journey to authenticity has been inspired by a scene from the animated film Aladdin: "Be yourself," the Genie tells Aladdin, a phrase that has stuck with Clark throughout his life. "Anytime I struggled with my confidence, I'd latch onto that—'be myself.' It helped me grow personally, to put myself out there in front of people, or when pursuing new job opportunities."
His story serves as a beacon of hope for many in the LGBTQ+ community, demonstrating the power of authenticity and determination. As Clark continues his coaching journey at Michigan, he remains a role model for aspiring coaches and athletes alike.
The future is bright for Clark and the Wolverines. With his dedication and vision, there's no telling how far they will go. Follow Nick Clark's journey on Instagram to keep up with his achievements and insights.
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