Former head coach Ruth Nelson was inducted into the 2014 class for the American Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Nelson earned national attention for diversifying the volleyball program at UH by recruiting African Americans, including the late Flo Hyman, Rita Crockett and Rose Magers. These three went on to become some of volleyball’s greatest athletes.
From 1974 to 1981, she attained a 290-84 record. Under her guidance, the Lady Cougars went to the national tournament five of her seven years coaching. They won the regional title four times and the state title twice.
Nelson continues to work with volleyball youths in Carrollton, Texas.