Nikola Petrovic
Year: Second season
Previous College: University of Belgrade '97
Title: Assistant Coach - Recruiting Coordinator
Phone: (804) 828-7110

Nikola Petrovic enters his second season on James Finley's staff in 2012 and boasts a successful two-decade coaching career in the United States and Europe. In addition to his duties as the Rams' top assistant, Petrovic also serves as VCU's recruiting coordinator.

Petrovic joined the Rams in time for the 2011 season and was instramental in VCU's 17-win campaign, capped by an appearance in the Colonial Athletic Association Championship Match. Under his tutelage, three Rams earned All-CAA honors in 2011, including breakout freshman Cecilia Aragao, who was named to the league's All-Rookie Team, as well as to the CAA All-Tournament Team.

Prior to joining VCU, Petrovic spent the 2010 season as an assistant coach at Temple University following a four-year stint as head coach at Garden City Community College in Garden City, Kan. Petrovic led Garden City to 55 victories, as well as consecutive winning seasons in 2006 and 2007. His teams also excelled in the classroom, where they earned a pair of NJCAA National Team Academic Awards.
 
During the 2005-06 school year, Petrovic served as an assistant coach – and was later elevated to interim head coach - at UAB. Petrovic recruited four All-Conference USA players to Birmingham, including three student-athletes that went on to win All-AVCA honors. Petrovic helped lead the Blazers to a 14-13 mark that season, the school's best record in 10 years.

Prior to his UAB tenure, Petrovic served as an assistant coach at Barton Country Community College in 2004, where he helped guide the school to an 18-9 mark.

From 2001-03, Petrovic assisted at Division II Northwood University. Two Northwood players captured All-America honors during Petrovic's stay and 11 were selected All-Conference. The Timberwolves were 72-27 and earned two NCAA bids during Petrovic’s tenure. NU placed 14th in the final AVCA Coaches Poll in 2002 and was also ranked as high as eighth during the 2001 season.
 
Petrovic began his coaching career with Red Star Volleyball, a professional club based out of Belgrade, Serbia, where he coached and served as camp director from 1993-2000.
 
Over the course of his career, Petrovic has served as a coach and director for numerous junior volleyball clubs and has worked camps at Ball State, LSU, Colorado, Kansas State and Texas.
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A native of Belgrade, Serbia, Petrovic played setter for Serbian professional club Zeleznicar for five years. He graduated from the University of Belgrade in 1997 with a degree in physical education.


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