FULLERTON, Calif - 

This month, Titans Women's Volleyball Assistant Coach, Nicky Cannon, was awarded the 2020 AVCA Diversity Award. The award is given to those who are positive leaders and have impacted the sport of volleyball. Award recipients are also provided the opportunity to attend a convention to connect with past winners to empower, support and share experiences with one another. This unique opportunity gives coaches like Cannon, the chance to be mentored by volleyball coaches across the country. 

"2020 marks the fifth year for the AVCA Diversity Awards (sixth year with the AVCA Minority Coaches Awards in 2015). The issues of race relations in America, the incidences of social injustice and the grips of a global health crisis have placed a needed emphasis on being intentional and mobilizing efforts that lead to substantive change for society and the volleyball community." - American Volleyball Coaches Association 

Cannon joined the Titans prior to the start of the 2019 season. During her first season, the Titans made program history by collecting the most wins since 2012. In her first season, she contributed to a major turnaround in the program.  

Upon winning the award she hopes that it shows her team that there are many platforms out there to uplift, acknowledge and empower them. Knowing what this award represents, she is proud to represent the Hispanic females that are often underrepresented. Cannon has found her purpose and vision to make sure she paves a way for other minorities who want to become collegiate coaches.

"My purpose is to ignite passion wherever I go and leave a program better than what I found it. My vision is for the unseen and underrepresented to have and own their presence and worth." 

-Nicky Cannon