Nikki Kneuer, '06, is a teacher and coach making a difference in young girls' lives
It’s been almost 15 years since she graduated, and Nikki (Green) Kneuer remains a proud Maverick.
“My family and I support the volleyball team,” she said, adding that whenever CMU plays in the Denver area, she, her husband, Brian, and their two children show up in full Maverick gear. They often meet with players and Volleyball Head Coach Dave Fleming after the games.
While at CMU, Kneuer was known for her energy, enthusiasm and explosive talent as an outside hitter. She collected numerous honors and piled up impressive stats, many of which remain today.
Prior to her senior season, the volleyball standout married Brian, her high school sweetheart. After graduating in 2006, the couple returned to their hometown of Littleton, Colorado.
Kneuer studied education at CMU and began her career as a high school PE teacher and volleyball coach. She was named the Dakota Ridge High School Coach of the Year in 2009. After four years, she transitioned to teaching elementary school PE and after 14 years of coaching at the high school level, she now coaches second graders including her daughter.
“I made a difference in a lot of young ladies’ lives. I’m very proud to have had that opportunity,” said Kneuer.
She recently started an online accelerated Master in Education program with an eye toward becoming a principal.
Looking back, Kneuer shares that her best life experience was “Coach Crick [then CMU volleyball head coach] telling me to come play and being able to do that during those years. I love being a Maverick.”
NIKKI KNEUER
Hometown: Littleton, Colorado
Profession: Elementary school PE teacher
Favorite Vacation Location: Hiking, exploring and disconnecting in the Colorado mountains
Hobbies: Playing volleyball, coaching volleyball, hiking and crocheting. “It’s [crocheting] a skill I learned on long bus rides to play New Mexico Highlands.”
Favorite CMU Professor: Jill Cordova, PhD, and Keith Fritz, PhD (kinesiology)
Accomplishments:
• 2004 AVCA All-American
• Three-Time All-RMAC
• 2005 team captain
• Career Stats: 1 - Kills Per Set (3.93); 2 - All-Time Kills (1668); 2 - Attack Attempts Per Set (10.15); 3 - Total Attempts (4305); 13 - Total Digs (1081)
• Single Season Records: 5 - 558 Kills (2004); 13 - 431 Kills (2003); 17 - 401 Kills (2005); 2 - 12.56 Attempts Per Set (2004); 5 - 10.57 Attempts Per Set (2003); 9 - 9.43 Attempts Per Set (2005)
• Coaching high school volleyball for 14 years
• The life she’s built with her husband and children