GREENVILLE, Ill. -- The Greenville University Athletic Department has announced the hiring of Chad Nelson as its new head men's volleyball coach. Nelson recently completed his third season as head men's volleyball coach at Emmanuel College in Georgia. Nelson has over 15 years of experience coaching in all three NCAA divisions and has also spent time with NAIA, NCCAA, and club programs.

He replaces Phil Davis, who coached the Panthers to 21 wins in two seasons as head men's volleyball coach. Davis will be retained on staff as an assistant coach for the women's volleyball program.

"I have known Chad for a long time, and I have always been impressed with his passion for the game and for developing men of character," said athletic director Tom Ackerman. "When we knew our position for a Head Coach was going to be available, he was the first call I made. We could not be happier to welcome Chad to our staff, and we know he will take our young program to the next level."

Nelson was on the women's volleyball coaching staff at Lincoln Christian University from 2002-06, and they collected a record of 110-37. In 2003, the squad was the NCCAA national champion for the second time in school history. Nelson also coached with the men's basketball and men's golf teams during his time at LCU.

After graduation, Nelson went to Illinois State University as a volunteer assistant coach. The Redbirds went 21-12 and qualified for the NCAA Tournament.

Following his time at Illinois State, Nelson moved to Illinois College from 2008-11. At the helm of the Lady Blues, Nelson coached multiple scholar athletes as well as two ESPN Academic All Americans. Nelson also coached the women's softball team and men's tennis team during his time at Illinois College.

Nelson had a period at the University of Iowa as a volunteer assistant coach before becoming the top assistant and recruiting coordinator at Humboldt State University in California under the tutelage of Sue Woodstra, a silver medalist in the 1984 Olympic games and an assistant coach for the women's 2008 Olympic games silver medal team.

In His first season as the head coach with Emmanuel the Lions completely rebounded from the year before. In 2015 the Lions only posted a record of 4-19. In 2016, under the direction of Coach Nelson, the Lions saw vast improvement bringing their win total to 11-13.

Outside of collegiate competition, Coach Nelson has coached at numerous clubs and camps throughout the Midwest.