MARK NELSON

Girls Varsity Volleyball Head Coach

Mark Nelson has been shaping high school athletics since 1997, bringing passion, leadership, and a deep love for the game to every team he’s coached. Currently serving as the Varsity Co-Head Coach at Edina High School, Nelson has built a lasting legacy across Minnesota’s volleyball and basketball communities. His coaching career spans programs at Mankato West, Edina, Hopkins, Saint Louis Park, Washburn, and now Prior Lake, where he also leads the boys’ volleyball team.

A lifelong competitor, Nelson’s journey began on the basketball court, where he won a state championship with Anoka High School in 1992. After two years of junior college basketball, he continued his athletic career playing club volleyball at Mankato State University and later competed in adult leagues while launching his coaching path.

Nelson’s commitment to excellence has earned him multiple honors, including three Section Coach of the Year awards—one with Washburn and two with Edina. Notably, he remains the only coach to have guided Edina Volleyball to the state tournament, achieving that milestone twice. Yet, he credits his greatest accomplishments to the relationships he has built within the volleyball community, emphasizing teamwork, mutual respect, and shared joy in the sport.

His coaching philosophy centers on collective experience and positive culture: “Have fun, make it fun for others, but not at the expense of others.” For Nelson, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and enjoys the process is the key to lasting success.

Off the court, Mark lives in Minnesota with his wife, Cole, and their son, Miles. Along with their Great Dane and two cats, the family enjoys an active lifestyle—spending winters cheering on the Timberwolves as season ticket holders and summers relaxing on their pontoon. Sports and family keep them happily busy year-round.