Volleyball has been central to Coach Derek's life for over 35 years, evolving from a successful university playing career into 20 years of coaching with various clubs, and now VIBE Volleyball. He learned from some of Canada's best coaches and is passionate about sharing his knowledge. Derek’s coaching journey began after a collegiate career at GPRC and the U of A Bears, with notable success in guiding high-performance athletes. A standout achievement was leading a U14-U18 team, where 11 out of 12 players received post-secondary offers.

His coaching focuses on technical skill, athlete awareness, teamwork, and building mental toughness. Family is at the heart of his life, with his wife, Lana Nicoll, a MacEwan University volleyball legend, co-coaching alongside him. When not in the gym, they’re supporting their four children in various sports.