1st Season at ICC
Alma Maters: Illinois Central College & University of Missouri
Kathy Nelson (Gerken) is entering her first season as an assistant volleyball coach at Illinois Central College (ICC), where she is excited to return to the program that played an important role in her volleyball journey. She looks forward to sharing her experience and passion for the game while helping ICC student-athletes reach their goals both on and off the court.
A Washington Community High School graduate, Kathy began her ICC volleyball career as a high school junior, playing spring volleyball under then-ICC Head Coach Karen Guthmiller. She went on to become Hall of Fame Coach Sue Sinclair’s first signed recruit at ICC.
During her playing career at ICC, Kathy made an immediate impact as a middle hitter. As a freshman, she played in 146 of 155 games, recorded 111 blocks, and was a member of the Prairie State championship team. In her sophomore season, she led the team with 122 blocks and 280 kills, earning All-Region and All-Regional Tournament honors. That team was ranked No. 5 in the nation and finished the season 49-8, placing seventh nationally.
Following ICC, Kathy continued her collegiate career at the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou), where she studied psychology and competed as a middle and right-side hitter.
Kathy began her coaching career while attending ICC, coaching District 50 junior-high girls' volleyball teams. During her second season, she guided her seventh-grade team to the Illinois State Sweet 16.
After Mizzou, Kathy moved to Bethany, Illinois, where she coached both middle-school and high-school girls' volleyball at Okaw Valley. During her five years leading the program, the varsity team progressed from last place in the conference to conference champions. In her final season, Kathy was named All-Area Coach of the Year, an honor selected by area coaching peers, and received the Illinois State Sportsmanship Award which was nominated by referees.
Away from volleyball, Kathy has built a diverse professional career in business, technology, training, and project management. She is a Certified Project Management Professional and Certified Scrum Product Owner and currently serves as Senior Manager of Digital Adoption for global systems at Mars Veterinary Health.
Kathy is excited to return to ICC and contribute to the continued success of the Cougar volleyball program.
Updated: 08.25.26
