March 27, 2007

Erie, Pa. - Mercyhurst College Athletic Director Pete Russo has announced the resignation of Karin Nicholls as head women's basketball coach. She has been at the helm of the program for the past three seasons.

Nicholls was faced with the task of rebuilding the program following a 1-25 season in 2003-04. Her team went 8-19 in each of the next two seasons, followed by a 6-21 mark this past season in which the team was riddled with injuries. She is leaving the coaching profession and is taking a sales position in Raleigh, N.C.

"I've been doing this for 17 years, 11 as a head coach," Nicholls said. "I knew this would be my last coaching position when I took the job and I'm ready to make a personal change."

While the program may not have won as many games as Nicholls had hoped during her time, she is proud of the accomplishments her athletes have made both on and off the court.

"When I took over, our program was near the bottom of the 25 sports at Mercyhurst academically," Nicholls said. "Now, we are fourth. This program is better in talent, reputation, and character than when I first took over."

Along with the 6-21 overall record, Mercyhurst went 2-15 in GLIAC play during the 2006-07 season. Senior Julie Anderson was named an ESPN The Magazine First Team All-American and a first team All-GLIAC performer. Mercyhurst did have nine underclassmen on the roster, including six freshmen among a group that has potential to continue to push the program forward.

"I wish Karen all the best in her new job," Russo stated. "The coaching profession is losing a very good person."