Nia Kiggundu-Carngbe
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Nia Kiggundu-Carngbe is the Club Director and Head Coach of the 18 National 1's Team at NM Cactus Volleyball Club. Born in Uganda, Africa, she is a native New Mexican. Her volleyball club, NM Cactus, was founded in 2007 and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2008. The club has spent nearly two decades helping New Mexico youth develop as athletes, students, leaders, and members of their community. Located in Albuquerque, NM Cactus was created from a simple but powerful belief: volleyball can be the vehicle that helps young people reach opportunities they might not otherwise have—including a college education. Nia understands that opportunity personally. As a young athlete, she was introduced to club volleyball and experienced firsthand how access to the sport could change the trajectory of a young person’s life. She went on to become a high school All-American and state champion, compete at the NCAA Division I level at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, establish multiple school records and an NCAA record, and be inducted into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. After college, she returned home determined to create opportunities for the next generation of New Mexico athletes.
Today, NM Cactus has helped 41 athletes earn collegiate volleyball scholarships, with most receiving full athletic scholarships and others combining athletic and academic scholarships to make college possible. Some athletes have spent their formative years in the program, growing with NM Cactus from childhood through high school. Several former athletes have returned to New Mexico after college to coach and mentor the next generation—creating a powerful cycle of opportunity and giving back.
NM Cactus is committed to making competitive volleyball accessible and affordable. The club strives to remain one of the most affordable club programs in its community while providing extensive training and tournament opportunities. It does not operate as a pay-to-play program: paying club dues does not guarantee playing time. Athletes earn opportunities through hard work, perseverance, commitment, teamwork, and a positive attitude. The club also provides fundraising opportunities to every athlete rather than requiring families to disclose financial circumstances. Through product sales, business sponsorships, and a longstanding concert-concession fundraising partnership, families can work toward their club expenses while athletes learn initiative, communication, responsibility, persistence, and work ethic.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
- How Nia grew NM Cactus Volleyball Club from two teams to seventeen teams while expanding access.
- Why affordability and built-in fundraising mechanisms matter for keeping youth volleyball inclusive and accessible.
- That paying club dues does not guarantee playing time; athletes earn opportunities through hard work and commitment.
- How 41 athletes achieved college volleyball scholarships, most receiving full athletic scholarships or combining academic aid.
- Why Nia’s path from high school All-American and state champion to Division I athlete shapes her coaching.
- How NM Cactus uses product sales, business sponsorships, and concert concessions to offset club expenses for families.
- That former athletes return to coach and mentor, creating a cycle of opportunity and giving back.
- How Nia’s Sports Hall of Fame induction and NCAA records inform the standards she sets for young athletes.
- Why showing up matters, leading by example, and giving your all creates lasting success for athletes.
- How the club serves athletes ages 8 to 18 in a safe, fun environment regardless of socioeconomic background.
about the show
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