Aaron Nelson has announced his resignation as head coach of the Upper Iowa University volleyball program effective immediately. Nelson has been with the Peacock volleyball program since the summer of 2011 when he was hired as an assistant coach, but was quickly promoted to head coach prior to the start of the 2011 season. He has accumulated a record of 183-166 over his 13 seasons at UIU.
 
"I have truly enjoyed my 13 years here at UIU and all that we have accomplished together," said Nelson. "I want to sincerely thank each and every one of the players, coaches and staff that I was fortunate enough to work with and for the support we have received from the athletic administration in my time here. We've had an incredible spring season, and I believe the volleyball program is in excellent hands with the current team and staff.  I am looking forward to watching next fall and in the future to see all the great things that this program will continue to accomplish."
 
Under Nelson, Upper Iowa volleyball has seen their first record over .500 (2011), their first winning season with a 16-13 mark (2012), their first Northern Sun Conference Tournament trip (2017), the school record for wins in a season at 21-9 (2017) and most recently, a program high for conference wins in a season with 13-7 mark (2021). This past season UIU competed in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, but prior to their departure from the NSIC, the Peacocks won 100 conference matches over 12 seasons.
 
Nelson has coached 18 All-NSIC athletes, two All-GLVC athletes, with one Peacock, Anna Winter, earning both Honorable Mention AVCA All-American and AVCA All-Central Region honors.

"Coach Nelson has been a tremendous volleyball coach for us at Upper Iowa over his tenure," said UIU Vice President for Athletics Rick Hartzell. "He has been one of the most outstanding coaches on our staff over the years. Aaron has elevated this program and has established a tradition of success in the NSIC and the GLVC even leading the Peacock volleyball team into the AVCA Division II Top 25 at times. He will be missed here, and I most sincerely wish he and his family all the best in their future."
 
UIU concluded their 2023 campaign with a berth into the GLVC Championship Tournament. The squad will return two all-GLVC honorees in the form of Zoe Semelroth and Nicole Pozorski, as well as several experienced Peacocks back for the 2024 season.
 
A national search for the new head coach will begin immediately.