Paralympic Champion
World Championship Medalist
Advocate
Paralympic Champion
World Championship Medalist
Advocate

Nicky Nieves

Nicky Nieves is a 2x Paralympic gold medalist in sitting volleyball and a leader on the U.S. Women’s National Team. Born without her left hand, she has become a powerful advocate for mental health, disability representation, and inclusion. Nicky also founded Limitless People Inc. and served as a Team USA flag bearer at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

At a Glance

Sport
Sitting Volleyball
Hometown
Kissimmee, FL
Current Residence
Kissimmee, FL

About

  • Born without her left hand
  • Began playing sports in sixth grade, including volleyball, track and field, and cheerleading
  • Named Volleyball Conference Player of the Year her senior year of high school
  • Played Division II volleyball at Queens College
  • After being contacted by USA Volleyball, was introduced to the sport of sitting volleyball, becoming a key player for the U.S. Women's Sitting Volleyball Team
  • Strong advocate in the mental health and disability space, and in representing the under represented
  • Earned a master’s degree in 2024 from Southern New Hampshire University in clinical mental health
  • Founded Limitless People Inc., a nonprofit organization providing volleyball opportunities to individuals regardless of age, gender, race, or physical ability
  • Awarded “Best Attacker” at the 2025 WPV Sitting Volleyball World Cup
  • Coaches volleyball at NubAbility Athletics, a summer camp for children 5 to 18 with limb differences
  • Was a Team USA flag bearer for the Paris 2024 Paralympics Opening Ceremony

Accolades

Paralympic Champion

2x Paralympic Champion (2024, 2016)

World Championship Medalist

3x World Championship Medalist (2022: bronze; 2018: silver; 2014: silver)

ParaPan American Games Champion

2x ParaPan American Games Champion (2019, 2015)

WPV Volleyball World Cup Champion

WPV Volleyball World Cup Champion (2025), Awarded “Best Attacker”

In the News