Davidson Men's Soccer Names Eric Nichols Assistant Coach
4/18/2008 12:06:29 PM | Men's Soccer
Joey Beeler - Assistant SID
DAVIDSON, N.C. – Davidson College announced Friday afternoon that Eric Nichols has been named assistant coach of the men's soccer program.
Nichols joins the Wildcats from Ohio Dominican University (Columbus, Ohio), where he was the head men's soccer coach for the last four seasons. Under Nichols ' guidance, the Panthers recorded a 59-22-1 (.728) overall mark, including a final national ranking of fourth last season and entry to their first ever National Tournament, losing in the quarterfinals. Coach Nichols was named the 2007 NSCAA Midwest Region Coach of the Year for the impressive 19-3 record.
"Leaving my team and Ohio Dominican was very difficult,” said Nichols. “But I'm ecstatic about the opportunity to work with Coach Spear and join in the rich Davidson soccer tradition."
Prior to his four-year tenure at Ohio Dominican, Nichols served as an assistant coach at Ohio Wesleyan University. While on the staff, OWU compiled a mark of 74-14-3, won four conference championships, advanced to a pair of NCAA Regional Championships and one Final Four.
“This is quite a coup for our program and for Davidson to bring in a coaching talent like Eric,” commented Wildcat Matt Spear, who is entering his eighth season at the helm as head coach of his alma mater. “He has tremendous experience and he has been a proven winner for eight years in the college game.”
Along with his collegiate coaching experience, Nichols has been the head coach of the Columbus Crew's U18 U.S. Soccer Academy team for the 2007/2008 season. He also has experience coaching with ODP State and Region squads.
A graduate of Ohio State with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, Nichols has a NSCAA Premier Diploma and U.S. Soccer “A” License.
Following his playing career with the Buckeyes, he went on to play five years professionally with three different organizations (Columbus XOGGZ, Columbus Invaders, Indiana Blast).
“Our team will immediately benefit from Eric's new ideas, fresh perspective, and hunger to teach. His impact will certainly be a lift as we accelerate towards the fall 2008 campaign,” said Coach Spear.
Coach Nichols, his wife Marianne, and children Kalen and Jordan will live in the town of Davidson.
Nichols joins the Wildcats from Ohio Dominican University (Columbus, Ohio), where he was the head men's soccer coach for the last four seasons. Under Nichols ' guidance, the Panthers recorded a 59-22-1 (.728) overall mark, including a final national ranking of fourth last season and entry to their first ever National Tournament, losing in the quarterfinals. Coach Nichols was named the 2007 NSCAA Midwest Region Coach of the Year for the impressive 19-3 record.
"Leaving my team and Ohio Dominican was very difficult,” said Nichols. “But I'm ecstatic about the opportunity to work with Coach Spear and join in the rich Davidson soccer tradition."
Prior to his four-year tenure at Ohio Dominican, Nichols served as an assistant coach at Ohio Wesleyan University. While on the staff, OWU compiled a mark of 74-14-3, won four conference championships, advanced to a pair of NCAA Regional Championships and one Final Four.
“This is quite a coup for our program and for Davidson to bring in a coaching talent like Eric,” commented Wildcat Matt Spear, who is entering his eighth season at the helm as head coach of his alma mater. “He has tremendous experience and he has been a proven winner for eight years in the college game.”
Along with his collegiate coaching experience, Nichols has been the head coach of the Columbus Crew's U18 U.S. Soccer Academy team for the 2007/2008 season. He also has experience coaching with ODP State and Region squads.
A graduate of Ohio State with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, Nichols has a NSCAA Premier Diploma and U.S. Soccer “A” License.
Following his playing career with the Buckeyes, he went on to play five years professionally with three different organizations (Columbus XOGGZ, Columbus Invaders, Indiana Blast).
“Our team will immediately benefit from Eric's new ideas, fresh perspective, and hunger to teach. His impact will certainly be a lift as we accelerate towards the fall 2008 campaign,” said Coach Spear.
Coach Nichols, his wife Marianne, and children Kalen and Jordan will live in the town of Davidson.
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