Nygaard attended La Follette High School in Madison, Wisconsin, where he played volleyball and was MVP of his state in 1991.[3] Nygaard helped La Follette win state championships in 1987 and 1989, and finish second in the state in 1988.[3][4]
College
Nygaard played college volleyball at UCLA and was named National Player of the Year in 1994 and 1995.[4] He also won NCAA Championships while playing for the Bruins in 1993[5] and 1995,[6] and was named NCAA Championship tournament Most Outstanding Player in 1995.[7]
In 2007, Nygaard was inducted into the UCLA Hall of Fame.[8]
Beach volleyball
Nygaard played professional beach volleyball from 2001 to 2011, winning almost $500,000 in career earnings.[2] In total, he won seven AVP tournaments and one FIVB tournament.[4][2] In 2003, he was selected as the AVP Most Valuable Player.[2]