Coach Nickie

Nickie Cristiani's volleyball journey is deeply rooted in her Sarasota upbringing. A product of Venice High School, she left an indelible mark on the court by playing varsity volleyball throughout her four years there, including being part of Venice's team that won the state championship in 2005. Her skill on the local stage paved the way for an exciting venture into Division 1 volleyball at Elon University in North Carolina, where she played setter for the Phoenix and continued to hone her abilities and passion for the game.

Transitioning from player to mentor, Nickie embarked on a coaching path that has spanned 12 years. Her coaching career began as an assistant coach at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, where she spent two years helping shape the next generation of players. She then served as the varsity head coach at Ocala's Trinity Catholic High School and coached with Ocala Power United before returning to Sarasota, where she took over as head volleyball coach at Riverview High School in 2017. Under her leadership, Riverview built a strong, district-winning culture — winning four consecutive district titles, reaching the Final 4, and posting 20 or more wins in five straight seasons, including the program's 17th district championship in 2019. She was named Coach of the Year in 2017 for her work turning the Rams into one of the area's most consistent programs. For the past 8 years, Nickie has been coaching with Sarasota Volleyball Club, bringing her passion and expertise to the club level and helping develop young athletes throughout the community. Ultimately, Nickie's heart found its home in high school and club volleyball coaching, where she has poured her expertise and enthusiasm into young athletes.

For Nickie, coaching goes beyond the scoreboard. Her goals extend far beyond wins and losses — she aspires to leave a lasting impact on the girls she coaches, fostering not only their skill development but also nurturing a genuine love for the sport. Nickie's coaching philosophy is rooted in creating long-lasting memories for her players, ensuring that the lessons learned on the volleyball court become cherished moments that shape their lives beyond the game.

Off the court, Nickie is a proud mom who shares her life with her husband, Coach Mark Cristiani, and their wonderful family. Together, the Cristiani family lives and breathes Sarasota volleyball.