Christensen is new Cougar volleyball coach

Nicole Christensen, a volleyball coach for 17 of her 34 years at levels from U12 through college, will take over the Centennial Cougar team this fall.

a 380-185-1 record and took three teams to state, in 2009, 2010 and 2022. Last fall, her Cougars won Section 7AAA, lost in the first round at state, then won twice to take home the fifthplace trophy, giving the coach what turned out to be a great season to quit on.

Asked about highlights, RehbeinManthey cited the outstanding support from the district, community and families through the years. She added that it was always stimulating to compete in “one of the toughest conferences in the state (Northwest Suburban)”, which helped them finish the season so strongly last year. Asked if there’s anything she won’t miss, she said, “The part I won’t miss is going through tryouts and possibly having to cut players from the team. That was always the hardest thing to do every year. I think any coach will tell you the same thing.”

Rehbein-Manthey, who played volleyball and basketball two years each at Mankato State, was 28, newly married, and eager to lead a program when then-activities director Bruce Hegseth gave her a shot. “I am so thankful that he gave me the opportunity,” she said.

Her daughters Chase and McKenna are going into ninth and tenth grade, respectively. “They were raised in the gym,” she mused. “It has been an adjustment for me to drop them off at practice, and not walk in to join them.”

It was late in the school year that she informed Matt St. Martin, activities director, about her decision. “Not ideal,” she said, “but I’m so excited they were able to find a strong coach in Nicole. She will be able to bring in new ideas and energy to the program.”