20 Aug 2017 Derek Nichols named Rush coaching director

Posted at 9:03 AMh in Sports by

Derek Nichols has been named director of coaching for Arkansas Rush (Conway Rush).

"Everyone in our soccer community seems to love this man and his style of coaching,” said  Rush Communications Director Jeff Turnbow. “We are blessed to have him on our team, helping to teach soccer the Rush Way as well as incorporating his vast skills and expertise throughout our organization.  Rush is about providing more opportunities to local youth soccer and this is just another incredible way to meet those goals. Please take a moment to learn about his credentials and the tremendous value he brings to Rush in the Conway area."

After seven years as the head coach at Newman (Kansas) University, Nichols returned to the University of Central Arkansas as assistant coach, bringing with him 16 years of collegiate, Olympic Development Program and club experience.
Nichols, who played for the Bears in 1996-97, served as an assistant coach at Hendrix College (Div-III) before spending the 2001-02 seasons as graduate assistant for the UCA men’s program. During his time on the staff, the Bears compiled a record of 30-8-2, including a 17-2-2 record and No. 3 national ranking in 2002. Following the 2002 season, Nichols moved to Lyon College (NAIA).
In 2005, Nichols was chosen to lead the program at Newman, and in his first season, the team compiled a second-half record of 7-2-2, earning a Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament championship and a No. 3 regional ranking. In 2006, the school’s provisional year of Div.-II membership, Nichols led the Jets to a 12-4-1 record, earning Newman’s Coach of the Year Award in the process. In 2009, Nichols was named the Heartland Conference Coach of the Year, and in 2010 he led the Jets to their first 10-win season as a full-fledged Div.-II member. 
Nichols has a USSF B Coaching License and an NSCAA Goalkeeping Diploma. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in kinesiology from UCA. He and his wife, Jessica, reside in Conway with their two daughters, Haley and Kensey.

Tags: