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JUNE 2021 19 cruiting coordinators in the country," Wells said. "They provided me with some amaz- ing names, but only one name came across on everyone's list — Nicole Miller. "Nicole is experienced and one of the hardest workers in the coaching world. She has earned the right to be called a great re- cruiter, but she's also a tremendous trainer. I wanted the best of both worlds in this role, and our program is going to benefit im- mensely from her decision to move across the country and join us in this journey. I am very excited to welcome her to the Virginia volleyball family." Rounding out the staff, Wells added Nicki Hauser as director of operations. Hauser, the older sister of former UVA men's basketball standout Sam Hauser, played volleyball at Southern Connecticut State, and comes to Charlottesville after serving as the director of operations at North Dakota State. With that staff in place, Wells will look to lead a program for the first time with a wonderful collection of mentors and role models to pull from as she carves her own niche in the head coaching world. "I was raised by a single mom with four kids," Wells said. "We all played athletics and I don't remember my mom ever missing a game. She is a rock star, but it definitely took a village to help raise four children running around and playing multiple sports. "I played volleyball, basketball and softball, and I think about my high school coaches and the commitment they made to who we were as human beings is definitely the foundation of the way that I coach. I'm more interested in developing strong, in- dependent women and winning is the by- product of that. That is exciting to me and that's why I'm here. I'm here to win, but I got into coaching because of the way that my coaches helped raise me and the impact that they had on me growing into the person that I am today. "I want to give that back to my student- athletes and I really do think that started with my high school coaches. Most recently, working at Florida, I've always just admired Mary Wise's authenticity. She is very sure of who she is as a coach, and she's had a lot of experience and a lot of wins in time. But her flexibility, too, and I think anyone that's been in coaching for 30 years has to change con- stantly. The game has changed, the athletes have changed and her drive each year to fig- ure out who or what the team needs from her and how she can be her best self for the team is inspiring and something I take with me." With a template for success in her play- book, Wells sets her sights on building the family atmosphere within her new program. The excitement is there with her arrival and dynamic staff hires. She now takes aim at former, current and future Cavaliers as she invests in them. "I want those invested in this program, especially alums, to be proud of this pro- gram," Wells said. "I want them to be in- vested in the program, and I want them to feel like this is their home and that they are always welcome. They are going to be a huge part of our success." Rejoice. Relive. Retell. Every glorious moment. Introducing the Blue Series. A distinct collection of items designed utilizing the bold colors of the sideline panels from the 2019 NCAA ® Men's National Basketball Championship Court with minimal graphics to let the colors stand out. No two pieces are ever exactly alike. © 2021 Artsman LLC For complete details, visit www.artsmansport.com/uva-collection Let Your Blue Shine Through "The expectation of what this program is going to be is rising. The number one thing is we just can't just talk it. We have to put time, energy and effort in. So far, they're doing it. … I think the team is excited and they're ready to take their game to a completely different level." WELLS