Longtime Amherst Head Coach Nick Nichols Announces Retirement

Courtesy: Amherst Athletics

AMHERST, Mass. — Amherst College Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving Head Coach Nick Nichols announced his retirement today after 25 years at the institution.

Nichols was honored as the NCAA Division III Women’s Swimming Coach of the Year by the CSCAA in three straight seasons from 2006–08. The swimming and diving coaches’ Association also recognized Nichols as one of the 100 Greatest Coaches of the last 100 years during its centennial celebration in 2021.

“I think what I will miss the most is all the swimmers and divers who have joined me on this journey for the last 25 years,” Nichols said. “They have made this the highlight of my career. They were the reason that, even through the tough times, I never felt like coming to the pool was work. Sharing the misery that comes with being a swimmer /diver has been the absolute highlight of my professional life and I wouldn’t trade my experience at Amherst for anything.”

Nichols led the women’s team to a 173-29-1 dual meet record, including three undefeated dual meet seasons and Little Three Championships, and the 2013 NESCAC Championship. His Amherst women’s teams finished in the top 10 at the NCAA Championship 17 times, including consecutive second-place showings in 2007 and 2008 and 12^th-place finishes at each of the last two championships.

“Nick’s leadership, dedication, friendship, and mentoring has meant so much to so many over the 20-plus years and he leaves an amazing legacy,” Amherst Director of Athletics Don Faulstick said. “His teams and the individual successes are even more impressive considering the facility hurdles here. He’s a legend and will be missed. I wish Nick and Yanik the best in the next chapter of their lives.”

Nichols has led the men’s team to a 163-34 dual meet record, including nine Little Three Championships and three undefeated dual meet seasons. He has led his men’s teams to eight top-10 finishes at the NCAA Championship, including back-to-back fifth-place finishes in 2009 and 2010.

Nichols came to Amherst after spending five years as the assistant swimming coach for Yale University. Prior to his time at Yale, he spent two seasons as the head swimming coach at the University of Vermont, where he was named the 1990 swimming coach of the year.

“I was given this opportunity by then-athletic director Peter Gooding whom I admire as one of the great minds in college athletics and athletics administration. Compared to many, my 25 years at Amherst seem short — Dave Hixon, our recently retired basketball coach had 48 years including his time as a student. Both have strongly influenced my time at Amherst and my life as a coach.

“And our assistants and diving coaches over the years — Mandy and Kai, Karin, Cody, Cathleen, and Matt have taught me a lot, made everyday fun, and have become close friends. There are so many others on campus as well who have made this such a valuable journey.”

Nichols began coaching after completing an impressive swimming career at St. Lawrence University, where he won five individual NCAA championships. Nichols won three individual events (100 back, 200 back, 200 IM) and was a part of the championship 400-yard freestyle relay team to lead the Saints to a third-place overall finish at the 1980 NCAA Championship. He repeated in the 100-yard backstroke in 1981 and reclaimed the 200-yard IM title in 1982.

“All of his athletes will miss him dearly,” Amherst senior Sophie Kubik said. “He was a beloved figure in the community, and we all valued his mentorship so much.”