Coach Nicole Heard

 Hello, Welcoming community!

My name is Nicole Heard and I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the founder and director of the Southwest Volleyball Academy of Georgia, affectionately known as SWAG Volleyball. Our mission is to foster a love for the game of volleyball among young athletes aged 7 to 18. We are a beginner-friendly club, so even if you’re starting from scratch, we welcome your enthusiasm and drive to learn!

At SWAG Volleyball, we believe in providing a vibrant experience for everyone involved—players, parents, and supporters alike—as we navigate the exciting world of travel volleyball, often referred to as club volleyball.

A bit about my background: I hail from a small, close-knit town called Wedowee, Alabama, where I played volleyball throughout high school. My passion for the sport led me to compete at the collegiate level at a junior college (Shoutout to Southern Union State Community College). I have been coaching for approximately 15 years, starting with high school programs in Alabama before transitioning to several schools here in Georgia. Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed the growth of various volleyball programs and have been dedicated to spreading the sport. Notably, I started running volleyball camps in the recreational centers in Paulding County and later, after recognizing the absence of volleyball in Douglas County recreational centers and middle schools, I collaborated with local school systems to establish volleyball programs there.

For two years, I worked hard to integrate volleyball into middle schools, parks & recreational centers. During that time, I realized there was a significant need for awareness and growth of SWAG Volleyball. Taking a leap of huge faith!, I shifted focus from high school coaching to concentrate on camps and middle school programs, elevating the visibility of our academy.

Over the last two years, SWAG Volleyball has garnered tremendous interest and support, prompting us to implement changes that enhance our offerings and organization. I recently transitioned from the school system to a career in law enforcement. However, my commitment to nurturing young athletes—both on and off the court—remains steadfast.

Recognizing the potential impact of SWAG Volleyball as a beginner-friendly club, I've dedicated myself to creating a supportive and engaging environment that keeps children off the streets and encourages healthy development. We strive to build a positive atmosphere where every participant feels safe and inspired during their time with us.

I am eager to connect with your county and all other surrounding County communities to explore opportunities for establishing a program that serves your area. My team and I are prepared to take on this challenge, so if you're interested in collaborating or know of any potential gym spaces, please reach out. Additionally, I will be seeking volunteers with some volleyball experience to help us grow and thrive together.

Thank you for welcoming me into your community, and I look forward to the exciting possibility of building something special with all of you!