Women's Volleyball Coach in Dream Job

Name: Jolene Nagel

Position: Head Volleyball Coach

Years at Duke: 15 

What I do at Duke: I work daily with the 18- to 22-year-old women on the team to help them compete at the highest level in the country. Our season starts in August and ends in December, but we also train from February to April. Scheduling, recruiting, community service, marketing and staff development are just a few of the things we work on during the off season. You have to be passionate about your job to be a coach, because it is not a 40-hour-a-week job. To me, it's not a job, but what I do to be happy.

My first paid job: When I was 15, I was director of the summer recreation programs in my home town of Panama, New York. 

Something most people don't know about me: I showed quarter horses from age 9 to 18. My father raised, trained and raced harness horses so our family usually had between 15 and 20 horses on our small farm.

To start a conversation, ask me about: Sports. Title IX was passed when I was in middle school.  I started diving in 7th and 8th grade, and did volleyball, softball and basketball in high school. My sister, who is six years older, never had those opportunities.  

My dream Job: I think I'm in it. 

What I do when I'm not at work: I love my job, and I love my family, and that's all I have time for. We have one son in middle school and one in high school. Maybe, once the boys go to college, I'll pick up my flute again or develop the golf game I've wanted to try.

What I love about Duke: I love that we compete at a high level academically and athletically. It is truly an honor to work for such a first-class institution.

Last book I read: "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni. It is applicable to so many different careers that we are in, not just athletics.

Something unique in my office: A picture someone captured of our team winning a match in 2010 to get into Duke's first Sweet 16 for volleyball. I love the jubilation on the faces of the team.  

Best advice I've received: My parents told me to follow my heart. I think in the big decisions in my life, I've relied on that. 

If I had 5$ million I would: Take care of the essentials for my family and then develop a business providing indoor and sand volleyball practice facilities so everyone could develop their game.  

Why I love volleyball: When I was young, I could jump and sprint, but I had asthma. In volleyball, I could be physical and good at the game and still be able to breathe. That's how it started. Then I fell in love with the teamwork, camaraderie, strength and athleticism involved. 

A memorable moment at Duke: I've had many, but it was certainly wonderful to see this year's talented team, with its special senior leadership and captains, win the 2013 ACC championship against UNC.