ST. LOUIS – The Missouri Baptist University Department of Athletics announced today that Chris Nichols will be stepping down as head coach of the women's volleyball program to pursue a club director role at High Performance St. Louis Volleyball Club.
 
An alum of Missouri Baptist and the men's volleyball program, Nichols joined the volleyball coaching staff in 2005 as an assistant coach. After spending six seasons as head assistant coach and two as associate head coach under John Yehling, Nichols was handed the keys to the women's team in 2013 and took the program to new heights.
 
Under Nichols' direction, the Spartans have piled up seven 30-win seasons, three AMC regular-season crowns and three AMC Tournament titles. They have made 10 straight NAIA Women's Volleyball National Tournament appearances, with three trips to the finals, four semifinal appearances, and six quarterfinal appearances. In May 2021 [*2020 National Championship was played in the spring due to COVID-19], Nichols and Missouri Baptist broke through on the national stage, winning the program's first NAIA title with a thrilling 3-2 win over Midland University. Just seven months later, the Spartans became the first program since Fresno Pacific to repeat as NAIA volleyball national champions with another five-set victory, this time at the expense of former AMC rival Park (Mo.).
 
"Coach Nichols has been instrumental in transforming MBU Women's Volleyball into one of the most formidable programs in the NAIA," said Missouri Baptist Director of Athletics Jeff Fore. "On top of bringing home two red banners [national championships], Chris' student-athletes have also achieved at the highest level academically and are incredible ambassadors on campus and in the community. We're grateful for his dedication and commitment to MBU Athletics and support his decision to take a step back. In talks with Chris, we're hopeful that he remains a part of the program in some capacity as we transition to a new head coach."
 
The winningest head coach in MBU women's volleyball history, Nichols finishes his 11^th season at the helm with a 350-67 overall record (.839%) and a 109-11 conference record (.908%). His .839 winning percentage ranked atop the NAIA amongst active coaches. He has collected several awards during his tenure, including two NAIA National Championship Coach of the Year awards (2020-21, 2021), AVCA-NAIA National Coach of the Year (2015), and three AVCA Midwest Region and three AMC Coach of the Year honors (2015, 2020-21, 2023).
 
Nichols has kept the Spartans in the national conversation year in and year out as MBU is currently No. 2, behind just Park (Mo.), with a streak of 86 consecutive polls being ranked in the Top 25. As one of the elite NAIA and Midwest programs, Nichols has kept a steady stream of top-level talent coming through the program. He has coached 30 NAIA All-Americans, the 2006 NAIA Player of the Year [Ana Mercado], 2014 & 2015 NAIA Libero of the Year [Haley Pouliezos], 2020-21 AVCA-NAIA Freshman of the Year [Sara Klunder], 2020 NAIA National Championship MVP [Giovanna Tapigliani], 2021 NAIA Defender of the Year [Ariana Macies], and 2021 NAIA Setter of the Year and NAIA National Championship MVP [Manuela Vargas].
 
A national search for Missouri Baptist's next head women's volleyball coach is underway. A complete job description can be found at MBUSpartans.com and MoBap.edu. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and a statement of Christian faith to Jeff Fore, Director of Athletics (Jeff.Fore@mobap.edu). Screening of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
 
From Head Coach Chris Nichols:
"What a blessing and an honor to have served as a part of this volleyball program at Missouri Baptist for the past 19 years. When I started at MBU, I had no idea what impact it would have on my life and career. Through God's grace, this has been a dream come true.
 
I would like to thank former Director of Athletics Dr. Tom Smith and former President Dr. Alton Lacey for taking a chance on me. Their leadership gave me the foundation I needed early in my coaching career. Thank you to AD Jeff Fore and President Dr. Keith Ross for their unwavering support of the women's volleyball program and its success.
 
To my beautiful wife, Jayma, and daughters, Addisyn, Emersyn, and Fayth…Thank you for all your support and love for me as we chased championships year after year. None of the success is possible without you all by my side.
 
I want to thank all the assistants who have served alongside me through the years. You have made me a better person, coach, and leader. You are the true champions behind our success! I would be remiss if I didn't mention former MBU head coach John Yehling for being a mentor and great friend to lean on during my career.
 
To all my current and former players, your commitment and passion for the program and each other is the foundation of Missouri Baptist Volleyball. The banners show our on-court successes, but your transformation through the entire process is what coaching is all about. There aren't words to describe how grateful I am for every one of you. Shine On and Spartan Up!"