Colonels make volleyball assistant coaching hire

Nicholls volleyball has a new member to its coaching staff.

She lands in Thibodaux after five seasons as a pro and a decorated career at the University of Washington.

Colonels coach Tommy Harold announced Friday afternoon that Kindra Carlson had been hired to be an assistant coach.

Carlson’s hire will mark the first time she’s ever coached at the college level. But Harold said her success as a player will translate to coaching success with Nicholls.

“Kindra is familiar with our system and will help our players and our program reach new heights,” Harold said. “Above all of her volleyball accolades, Kindra is a stud as a person. I have worked with her at camps and I know she will do great things here at Nicholls and be a true asset to our family.”

As a player, Carlson was among the best — an asset Harold said Nicholls should be able to take advantage of in the future.

A native of Easton, Colorado, Carlson was a top-notch competitor at Washington, earning Second-Team All-American Honors with the Huskies in 2009 and 2010. With Washington, Carlson recorded a career-high 471 kills in her senior season — a number that was among the best in the Pac 12.

For her college career, Carlson owns 1,251 kills — a number that is eighth in the storied history of Washington volleyball.

She is also third in program history in points with 1,470.

After her time with Washington, Carlson became a pro. She also cut her teeth in coaching, as well.

In 2011 and 2013, Carlson trained with the U.S. National Team. She also served as the head coach of the T-Street Volleyball Club during her training, helping guide the U16 squad to a bronze medal finish.

Most recently, Carlson played in Berlin, Germany, earning match MVP seven times.

In her professional career, she’s also had tours in Greece, France and Puerto Rico and has earned countless accolades, which excites Harold about the future.

“I couldn’t be happier to have Kindra join us,” Harold said.

Carlson