Gail (Hecimovich) Nucech ‘69 was a multi-sport athlete at Bemidji State (softball, field hockey, volleyball, women’s basketball and track and field) from 1967-69, pioneering many of those teams in an era when extramural programs became varsity sports. That spirit extended into her career as a physical education teacher and coach at Hibbing High School. Hired in 1969, Nucech began coaching gymnastics, track and field and volleyball, she started the girl’s basketball program in 1974 and led the team to the Minnesota State High School League tournament two years later. She also started the school’s softball program in 1976.

Head volleyball coach from 1969-2012, she compiled an overall record of 884-254 en route to becoming the MSHSL’s all-time winningest coach. She led the Bluejackets to 26 Iron Range Conference championships, 23 Region 7 AA/AAA titles and 23 appearances in the state tournament, which included a state championship in 1975 and a runner-up finish in 1998.

Nucech was awarded Region 7 AA/AAA Coach of the Year honors 11 times and was named MSHSL Coach of the Year in 1975 to go with a MVCA Coach of the Year award in 1998.

In addition, she organized and coached the Hibbing JO Volleyball  program until  2013.

Nucech was inducted into the BSU Athletics Hall of Fame as an athlete in 1990, the MVCA Hall of Fame in 1996, the Greenway High School Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Minnesota State High School Coaches’ Association Hall of Fame in 2011.  In 2008, she was recognized for 25 years of service to the Minnesota State High School Coaches’ Association. In 2009, she received the North Country Region USA Volleyball Founder’s Award. Her influence was felt beyond the volleyball community when Gov. Rudy Perpich proclaimed Oct. 16, 1990, “Gail Nucech Day” in Minnesota. Active in National Girls and Women in Sports Day activities, she was presented a Special Merit Award in 2008.

Gail and her husband, Dennis, live in Hibbing.