Nick Clark: Coaching Dreams Realized at the University of Michigan

Nick Clark: Coaching Dreams Realized at the University of Michigan

Nick Clark never imagined he would one day find himself coaching the Wolverines at the University of Michigan, a team he had long cheered for as a child. Yet now, in Ann Arbor—just thirty minutes from the small town of Carleton where he grew up—Clark is entering his third season as the assistant coach of the women’s volleyball team. His journey to this point has been nothing short of inspiring.

"I never thought I'd have the opportunity to coach at Michigan," Clark said recently. "It was always a dream, but now it's a reality." In his second season, the team showed significant improvement over the previous year. They finished in the middle of the 2024 Big Ten standings, moving up to 10th place out of 18 teams, and posted an 18-13 record—an impressive 11-win increase from the prior season.

Building a Future in Volleyball

With a roster filled with promising freshmen and sophomores, the team is optimistic about climbing the ranks even further in the coming seasons. The last time Michigan reached the NCAA tournament was in 2021, and they are eager to make another appearance.

Clark brings a wealth of volleyball experience to the Wolverines. Prior to arriving in Ann Arbor, he served as an assistant coach for both the men's and women's volleyball teams at Harvard. His coaching career also includes stints at UC-Santa Barbara, Clarke University, the University of West Alabama, Pfeiffer University, and Siena Heights University. During his college years, Clark played club volleyball while earning his bachelor's degree at Eastern Michigan University.

An Authentic Journey

Throughout his coaching career, Clark has been open about his identity as a gay man. For many years, he struggled with accepting himself and found solace in sports. Eventually, he embraced his true self and has been out and proud ever since. Much of his journey has been shared with his husband, Rob. The couple, both natives of Michigan, met at a gay bar in metro Detroit in 2010, began dating in 2011, married in 2017, and are now inseparable.

"Being authentic has always been important to me," Clark shared. "I want others to know that it's okay to be who you are, and that you can achieve your dreams." His openness has inspired many in the volleyball community, which has a notable number of publicly out gay men. Clark has long been a visible figure in this supportive network.

Embracing Authenticity

Clark's desire to live authentically has been shaped by a simple yet profound message from his childhood: "Be yourself." This piece of advice, from a beloved animated film, resonated with him and has guided him throughout his life. "Whenever I faced challenges or doubted myself, I'd remember those words," Clark said. "They've helped me grow both personally and professionally."

His authenticity has not only enriched his life but has also enhanced his coaching. At Siena Heights University, where he first publicly shared his story, Clark realized the impact of being open and honest about who he is. "It was a pivotal moment in my career," he reflected. "I wanted to be a role model for young athletes who might be struggling with their identities."

A Role Model for Future Generations

As Clark continues to make strides in his career at Michigan, he remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment for his players. His leadership and dedication to the sport have not gone unnoticed. "Nick Clark is a tremendous coach and an even better person," said one of his colleagues. "He's someone who truly cares about his players and their development both on and off the court."

The future looks bright for Clark and the Wolverines, and he is excited for what lies ahead. "I'm looking forward to continuing to build this program," he enthused. "We have a talented group of athletes, and I'm eager to see what we can accomplish together."

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