Nichole Ellis Promoted to Associate Head Coach at Northwestern

EVANSTON, Illinois, September 22. ENTERING her fourth year on the Northwestern women's swimming and diving staff, Nichole Ellis has been promoted to Associate Head Coach, announced today (Sept. 22) by head coach Jimmy Tierney.

"Northwestern University is a place that I not only take a great deal of pride in representing, but it also is a great place to call home," Ellis said. "I want to thank the Administration for investing in me. Being surrounded on a daily basis by people who share the same passions for academic and athletic success is something that is, in my experience, unique to Northwestern."

Ellis joined Northwestern as an assistant coach prior to the 2006-07 season. She coaches the mid-distance stroke and distance swimmers, and coordinates recruiting for the 'Cats.

She has coached NU's distance swimmers to great success, most notably helping junior Ellen Grigg to a first-team All-America honor in 2008. In that same season, the Wildcats enjoyed their best NCAA finish since 2000 when they took 19th at the NCAA Championships.

"I am thrilled that we can reward Nichole in this manner," Tierney said. "She has played a major role in the success of Northwestern swimming and diving the past three years. Anyone who is around Nichole for a minute can feel the passion she has for our program, the department and our school. She wears this on her sleeve 24/7."

Ellis' recruiting efforts have paid off in much increased program depth, showcased by Northwestern's 10-2 record in dual meets last season — the first time NU has reached a double-digit win total during Tierney's 15-year tenure. The roster size has nearly tripled in her time in Evanston, currently boasting 35 Wildcats.

"She has earned the respect of coaches across the country with her energy and drive in recruiting quality student-athletes," Tierney said. "Once these athletes come to visit, they get caught up in the spirit and excitement of Wildcat Swimming which Nichole has helped to instill on our deck. We hope to reap the benefits of her talents for many years to come."

During the summer of 2007, Ellis attended the Women in Coaching Conference at the Olympic Training Center. She attended the Women's Coaches Academy in May of 2009 and is a WCA graduate.

"I chose to become a coach not only to shape and guide young ladies into top level athletes, but also to be able to take pride in them as people once they leave the program," Ellis said. "The ladies I have the opportunity to work with here at Northwestern are some of the most spirited and spectacular people I have met. It is an honor to be able to grow, learn and compete with them."

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World Magazine. It has been posted in its entirety without editing. Swimming World offers all outlets the chance to reach our audience by contacting us at Newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com. However, Swimming World reserves the right to choose what material is posted.

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