Nicole Zarate

Bio

Nicole Zárate enters her second season with the Fisk University women’s volleyball program, bringing over a decade of coaching experience and a strong foundation in athlete development, leadership, and program building.

Originally from Norco, California, Zárate spent the past eight years in the Bay Area before relocating to Nashville to begin her collegiate coaching career. Her coaching philosophy is rooted in developing the complete student-athlete, emphasizing discipline, confidence, and growth both on and off the court.

Zárate began her collegiate athletic career as a softball student-athlete at Alabama State University, where she earned her degree in Business Management. Following graduation, she transitioned into volleyball coaching, quickly establishing herself as a dedicated teacher of the game with a passion for working with athletes at all stages of development.

Over the past 12 years, Zárate has coached across all levels of the sport, from youth beginners to high school athletes preparing for collegiate opportunities. She spent seven years serving as a Youth Director in the club volleyball space, where she led teams to USA Volleyball Junior National Championship appearances and multiple tournament titles while building development-focused programming centered on mentorship and long-term growth. Most recently, she coached for three seasons at Absolute Volleyball Club (AVC) in the Bay Area, in addition to her experience with several clubs throughout Southern California.

Zárate currently serves as the head coach of the top 13 REN team at Alliance Volleyball Club in Franklin, Tennessee, continuing her impact in one of the region’s premier club programs. Within the Fisk program, she plays a key role in positional development, serving as the primary coach for defensive specialists and setters.

Her leadership and commitment to professional growth were recently recognized with her selection to the NAIA Governance and Leadership Academy, a national program designed to develop emerging leaders in collegiate athletics, with a continued focus on advancing opportunities for women and minorities in sport leadership.

In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Zárate serves as an Operations Manager for a boutique brand identity and digital design company based in San Francisco. Her background in operations and organization translates directly into her structured, detail-oriented approach to coaching and program development.

Known for her energy, communication, and ability to connect with athletes, Zárate is passionate about using volleyball as a platform to teach life skills, build confidence, and foster a strong sense of community. She brings a growth-minded approach to Fisk Volleyball and is committed to helping build a culture rooted in accountability, development, and competitive excellence.