June 23, 2007

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Western Washington University Director of Athletics Lynda Goodrich has announced the one-year temporary appointment of former WWU women's basketball coach and player Sara Nichols as development officer for athletics, beginning July 16.

The 29-year-old Nichols will be involved in creating and coordinating events and working with the annual fund staff. Her primary focus will be on the solicitation of major gifts.

Nichols coached six years at Western from 2000-06, five of them as an assistant. She served as interim head coach during the 2003-04 season, directing the Vikings to a 21-8 record and the semifinals of the NCAA Division II West Regional.

In all, Nichols was a member of nine straight Western teams that reached nationals and posted an overall 228-62 record for a 78.6 winning percentage. She is one of just two people in WWU history to go to nationals as a player, assistant coach and head coach.

Nichols finished her four-year playing career fifth among the school's career leaders in assists with 448 and 11th in rebounds with 703. She helped the Vikings to a 27-4 record and the NCAA II national semifinals in 2000, the program's best finish in school history.

Nichols, who received a bachelor's degree from Western in 2000, was an honorable mention Little All-Northwest choice as a junior.

A graduate of Bothell High School, Nichols helped the Cougars to the Class AAA state tournament as a senior.