Submitted by Habtom Keleta, M.A.
Submitted by Florida Memorial University Alumni
MIAMI GARDENS, FL — Florida Memorial University announces the hiring of Nancy Sikobe as head volleyball coach. The former Kenyan volleyball national team captain brings over 14 years of leadership experience to Miami Gardens, including playing at the highest level as well as coaching multiple teams to conference championship games at various HBCUs.
“I’ve been following Nancy and her teams for a few years now and have enjoyed the organization and tenacity her squads have always brought to the arena. She brings a leadership level that will definitely add to the fabric of our athletic department and complement our coaching staff,” said FMU Assistant Vice President & Director of Athletics Jason Horn.
Sikobe joins FMU after most recently served as the Director of Athletics, Senior Woman Administrator and head volleyball coach at Wiley University. In eight seasons as head volleyball coach at Wiley, Sikobe racked up a record of 146-108, including four appearances in the Red River Athletic Conference championship game in five seasons. As the all-time winningest coach in school history, her teams were ranked in the top five in blocks, assists and kills in the NAIA, and won a program record 22-straight home matches.
Out of six 20-plus win seasons in the history of the program, Sikobe lead the charge for four of them.
“I give glory and honor to God for this opportunity,” said Sikobe. “I am so excited to come to Miami, and I look forward to working with the young ladies and the FMU community as a whole.”
Player Development/Accolades at Wiley University
Six NAIA All-Americans honorees
11 AVCA All-Region honorees
One AVCA All-Region Freshman of the Year
One RRAC Front Row Player of the Year
One RRAC Defensive Specialist of the Year
Two RRAC Newcomers of the Year
46 All-RRAC/All-GCAC honorees
Two RRAC All-Tournament selections
One GCAC All-Tournament selection
Eight NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athletes
Nine All-RRAC Academic Team selections
33 Red River Athletic Conference Scholar Athletes
Following her time at Wiley University, Sikobe served as the head volleyball coach at Dillard University from 2016-19, making a trip to the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference championship game. She also spent time as head coach at St. Mary-of-the-Woods for a brief stint.
As a player, Sikobe was a key player for the Telkom Kenya women’s volleyball team that was a powerhouse in Kenyan volleyball in the 1990s. She was a key player on the team that won five African Club Championships. She also was team captain of the Kenyan National Women’s Volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, in the 1995 All-Africa Games as well as the 1996 World Cup. Her amazing talent on the volleyball court has allowed her to become one of the pioneers of the USA scholarship program. Sikobe was also named team captain for the 1991 World Cup team and played on the 1992 World Cup team.
What They’re Saying about Nancy Sikobe
“Coach Nancy Sikobe is an authentic, hard-working, individual that will bring not just her knowledge of volleyball, but also the love of female athletes to the forefront, and she will make a tremendous impact in the SUN Conference. Nancy is going to be a major positive impact in the lives of the women that she serves, and she will make an impact in the community that she lives in because of her cultural awareness and her ability to adapt. Those characteristics makes her the prime person to lead the volleyball program at Florida Memorial.”
Janet Eaton-Smith – Director of Athletics – Ottawa University
“Her presence creates a positive and encouraging environment. She is such a positive role model and an encouraging individual who is always willing to assist other coaches with anything they may need. Nancy is truly a team-oriented person and was a real delight to have as a member of our coaching staff.
Deanna Bradley – former Director of Athletics – St. Mary-of-the-Woods.
While playing volleyball for the Eagles, Sikobe earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Central Methodist University and most recently earned a master’s degree in sports management from Missouri Baptist University. At Central Methodist, she was named the 2004 America Midwest Conference Freshman of the Year had an All-Conference Honorable Mention in 2004, 2005 and 2007.
