Seasons:

• 2010-11 - Assistant Coach
• 2009-10 - Assistant Coach
• 2008-09 - Assistant Coach

Fernanda Nelson is entering her third season as a member of the Eagles volleyball coaching staff.

Nelson came to FGCU after spending nine years at National American University in Rapid City, SD.

Nelson worked extensively at NAU since arriving as a freshman in 2000. She was named assistant coach for the Mavericks prior to the 2004 season at NAU.

A native of Brazil, Nelson has 13 years of playing experience in her native country. In 1997, she was named the top setter in Brazil. She went to National American in 2000 as a freshman and immediately made an impact, earning second team All-American (NAIA) honors during her rookie season. She helped lead NAU to a national championship in 2002 and by the end of her collegiate career, she was a three-time 1st team All-American selection and twice named the National Player of the Year (2001, 2003). She was inducted into the National American University Hall of Fame in 2007 and the NAIA Hall of Fame in 2008.

Nelson along with her husband, Ethan, and daughter, Bella, reside in Estero.