Jeff Nygaard (2007) - Hall of Fame

Jeff Nygaard

Induction:
2007

Nygaard starred at middle blocker on the men’s volleyball team for four seasons (1992-95). After arriving from his native Wisconsin, Nygaard made an immediate impact in Westwood and was named both Pac-10 and NCAA Freshman of the Year in 1992. Nygaard’s stellar play continued as he helped the Bruins to NCAA titles in 1993 and 1995. For three straight seasons (1993-95), Nygaard received All Pac-10 and first-team All American honors as well as being honored as the back-to-back Pac-10 and Consensus National Player of the Year recipient in 1994 and 1995. In 1995, Nygaard helped lead the Bruins to a 31-1 record, an undefeated league record and was named Outstanding Player in the 1995 NCAA tournament. In 1993, Nygaard led the Bruins to the NCAA championship by hitting a record .867 in the semis and was named Co-Outstanding Player of the NCAA tournament. In 1994, Nygaard set UCLA records with 650 kills while averaging 6.98 kills per game and also made the NCAA All-Tournament team. For his career, Nygaard ranks second in career kills (1,800) and blocks (658), fourth in aces (123) and tenth in digs (571). He ranks first in career blocking average at 1.88, second in kills per game (5.14) and fourth in kill percentage (.427). Nygaard went on to play on the U.S. National player from 1993-2000 and has represented the United States in three Olympics (1996, 2000 - U.S. indoor teams/ 2004 - Beach Volleyball). In 2001, Nygaard moved outdoors and joined the domestic beach volleyball tour. Nygaard has won a total of six events, was named the 2003 AVP Most Valuable Player and AVP Team of the Year with partner Dain Blanton. From 2002-04, when not competing, Nygaard was an assistant coach for Al Scates and the men’s team.

* Accomplishments listed above were at the time of induction.