The rise of Belmont Volleyball can be directly traced back to Nilson’s arrival in the fall of 2004. Having won just five matches the year prior, Nilson quarterbacked the Bruins to Atlantic Sun Conference glory.

Belmont won 91 matches during Nilson’s career – including four straight 20-plus win seasons – making her the winningest player in Belmont Volleyball history.

In addition, Nilson became the first student-athlete of Belmont’s NCAA Division I era, in any sport, to earn first team all-conference honors four consecutive seasons.

The McHenry, Illinois native was named Atlantic Sun Player of the Year and Tournament Most Valuable Player in leading the Bruins to the 2006 NCAA Tournament.  That season she was also named American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-South Region and Associated Press Honorable Mention All-America – the first Belmont volleyball student-athlete so honored. 

Nilson, the 2004 Atlantic Sun Freshman of the Year, is the conference’s career leader in assists for a setter (5,636) and currently holds the program record for career assists.