El PASO, Texas – UTEP volleyball head coach
Ben Wallis announced Friday afternoon the addition of Nikola Petrovic to the coaching staff as an assistant coach.
"I'm thrilled to bring Nikola Petrovic on staff with Andrea (Beaty) to El Paso," Wallis said. "Not only is Nick an exceptional trainer in the gym but he's great with data, being able to break down video on opponents, and taking that information and using it in the gym to get our players to succeed at a higher level. I'm proud of the staff we've assembled here and I'm thankful that they've joined me on this journey to turn this program into winners quickly."
Petrovic last served as the associate head coach of Seattle University (2013-2019). He helped transform the Redhawks from a top 250 RPI team into a consistent top-150 team (highest ranking – 108). He coached 15 all-conference players and the first all-regional player in program history.
He also held the assistant coach position at Temple (2010-2011), UAB (2005-2006), Barton County Community College (2004-2005) and Northwood University (2001-2004).
At UAB, Petrovic took over the role as interim head coach and boosted the Blazers to their first winning season in over a decade, as well as coaching two AVCA All-Americans.
He was the head coach of Garden City Community College (2006-2010). During the 2007 season, Petrovic led his team to its first winning season in four seasons. He mentored two KJCCC All-Region First Team members. In 2006, his team posted a 3.52 team GPA, which rated 11th in the country.
"I am honored to be joining the UTEP volleyball staff and the UTEP family," Petrovic said. "I would like to thank
Ben Wallis,
Jim Senter and
Julie Levesque, as well as the rest of the UTEP Athletics department for this great opportunity and for an amazing welcome. I cannot wait to start working with our players, helping them improve off and on the court. Coach Wallis has huge expectations for the players and coaches, and I hope I will be able to match his energy on the court. I'm learning very fast that UTEP is an amazing place and I'm very happy I have the opportunity to work here."
Petrovic recruited in all 50 states and 25 countries. His recruits have garnered 60 individual accolades over his 18-year coaching career.
Coach Wallis said about Petrovic, "He's been a coach at every level of volleyball and is a willing and able grinder, which is what I was looking for in an assistant. Beyond his abilities in the gym he's an exceptional recruiter. He's great at going and getting kids both internationally and domestically that can impact our UTEP program immediately."
The Serbian native was a setter for Zeleznicar Professional Volleyball Club for five years, and received his bachelor's degree in physical education from the University of Belgrade.
