Halley Nelson graduated from Bauxite High School in 2022. Just three years later, at age 22, she has returned to lead the Lady Miners volleyball program as head coach—making her one of the youngest high school coaches in the state.
“It’s not something that I take for granted. It’s been a huge blessing in my life. I’m so thankful that Bauxite has trusted me to lead this program at my age. I’m looking forward to what’s to come,” Nelson said.
Nelson played both volleyball and softball in high school, but her connection to sports began much earlier.
She started playing softball at age 4, coached by her father, and quickly developed a bond with him through the sport. “He coached me growing up, playing softball for pretty much my whole life until I started playing for the school,” she said.
She picked up volleyball in fifth grade and started playing for the school team in seventh grade.
“From there, it just took off. I never looked back. Volleyball had become my number one sport. I was playing at a high level for club and tournament volleyball. I went on to pursue volleyball in college, but I had changed my mind in my senior year.”
Nelson graduated in May from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in science education with a concentration in math, completing her degree in just three years.
After deciding not to play collegiate volleyball, she turned her focus to coaching.
“I knew I wanted to stay around athletics in general. I wasn’t ready to commit to what it takes in college to play at that level, with the schedule and it being pretty much a full-time job. I had decided to stay home for college and get done with my schooling as quickly as I could to get back into coaching at Bauxite and other areas. I also coach at an elite volleyball academy,” Nelson said.
Her decision to coach was driven by a desire to give back—something inspired by those who once coached her.
“I had several coaches throughout my life that inspired me and pushed me to be the best I could be in every aspect, on the court, but also through different types of leadership mentalities. I felt like it grew me as a person and as an individual. I want to be able to give back to athletes in each generation who are growing physically and athletically, but also as a female throughout their daily lives,” she said.
Nelson has coached club volleyball for two years. This season marks her first year coaching within the Bauxite School District, and she’s optimistic about what lies ahead.
“I’m looking forward to it. It’s a really strong group of athletes in this program this year. Our senior high has five seniors who are starting on the court. It’s a great group of athletes in general. It’s a great culture here at Bauxite. When it comes to it being my first year, I think I’m most thankful for the athletes I’ve been given and have the opportunity to lead and work with,” Nelson said.
Nelson didn’t just play sports—she excelled. During her senior year, she was named all-state and selected to the all-tournament team. She was a two-year volleyball captain, a three-time all-conference selection, and an All-Star nominee. In softball, she was a three-time conference player.
Family is also important to Nelson. Her 27-year-old sister is a fellow Bauxite graduate, and her adopted brother joined the family at age 15.
“My family, in general, is a very close family. We’re a large family. My siblings have kids, so we’re just getting bigger and bigger as the years go on. We’re very tight knit. It’s always cool to come back to a school that you’ve gotten to graduate from and see your sister also graduate from,” Nelson said.
Outside of coaching, Nelson enjoys spending time with her golden retriever and shopping. She especially loves walking her dog down by the river.
