George Mason University Women's Volleyball

George Mason University women's volleyball head coach [Aylene Ilkson](https://gomason.com/staff.aspxstaff=250) has announced the addition of [Nick Mata](https://gomason.com/staff.aspxstaff=387) to her staff for the 2021 season.   Mata comes to Fairfax following a four-year stint at Arizona. He will serve as assistant coach for the Patriots.   "Nick is an up-and-coming star in the volleyball world," said Ilkson. "He has done an amazing job at Arizona and has the Power 5 insight to help with the transformation that is happening in our program. Nick is not only a great tactical coach, but his ability to relate to student-athletes is unparalleled. He is an upstanding guy who is going to make a real impact on our Mason community."   Mata recently served as the director of operations for the Arizona women's volleyball and beach volleyball programs. He served as the volunteer assistant coach for head coach Dave Rubio and the indoor team in 2018.   "First and foremost, I would like to thank Aylene, Nena, Jordan, and everyone involved in the hiring process for giving me this incredible opportunity to become a part of the Mason women's volleyball program," said Mata. "I'd also like to thank the staff here at Arizona for supporting me in my pursuit to become an assistant coach. My career in volleyball has taken me down many different paths, but I can wait to start down my new path at George Mason! I can't wait to hit the ground running with Aylene and this program!"   Upon graduating, Mata was named the head coach of the Arizona women's club volleyball team. In 2016, he led the team to a fifth-place finish at NCVF Nationals.   Mata won two national championships in 2011 and 2015 as a member of the Arizona men's club volleyball team. In 2015 he was named All-Tournament MVP at NCVF Nationals, as well as being named First Team All-Mountain West Conference.    "It isn't just his coaching resume that has brought him to Fairfax," said Ilkson. "His personality, integrity and passion for the game make him an incredible addition to our program. I could not be more excited to welcome him to our family and know he is going to compliment not only myself but assistant coach [Jordan Glass](https://gomason.com/staff.aspxstaff=349) and our team so well. The future is bright for our program and Nick will be a big part of that."   Mata began coaching as an assistant to the boys and girls volleyball teams at Rincon High School in 2012. He became the varsity coach of the girls program in 2014 and was named Region/Section Coach of the Year in 2015, 2016 and 2017 while leading the team to three straight Region/Section Titles.   A Tucson native, Mata earned his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Arizona in 2015