| Lindgren |
Athletic director Charlyn Robert has announced the promotion of
Jeff Lindgren to head men's basketball coach. Lindgren, a four-year
men's basketball player and three-year assistant coach at Nichols,
begins his tenure immediately and replaces Dave Sokolnicki, who
recently announced his resignation.
“I am excited to carry on the tradition that I have been a
part of over the last seven years,” said Lindgren. “I
attribute and thank Coach Sokolnicki to helping me become the
person and coach I am today, and also want to thank Director of
Athletics Charlie Robert for giving me the opportunity to start my
coaching career at Nichols College.”
The winningest coach in program history, Sokolnicki ends his tenure
with a record of 159-178 (.457) and as one of just seven coaches
all-time with more than 100 wins at the college across all sports.
He guided Nichols to the Commonwealth Coast Conference tournament
in 10 of his 13 seasons, and was named CCC Coach of the Year in
2003. During his tenure, Sokolnicki coached 13 All-CCC players and
saw seven players garner CCC All-Academic Status with a 3.5 or
higher grade-point average.
A four-year letterwinner, Lindgren was a three-time Commonwealth
Coast Conference All-Academic team member and captained the Bison
in his senior season. Since joining the coaching staff for the
2009-10 season, Lindgren has played a key role in the program's
recruiting process and helped guide Nichols to its first
Commonwealth Coast Conference semifinal appearance in nine
seasons.
“I am excited to have Jeff on staff as our next head
coach,” added Robert. “He is passionate about teaching
and coaching basketball. Jeff has played a key role in our
basketball success these last few years and is very deserving of
the opportunity to take the helm of a program that he has had a
hand in building from recruiting to coaching.”
Lindgren played in 95 games at guard for the Bison and enjoyed a
breakout senior campaign that saw him average more than 12 points
per game. A threat from beyond the arc, he finished his career with
a .325 three-point shooting percentage.
“I am looking forward to shaping our student-athletes as they
grow to see the big picture within our team culture: student,
institution, family and community are all parts of our team's
equation. We work hard at putting academics first and that has, and
will continue to, pay dividends on the court.”
Lindgren graduated from Nichols with a bachelor's degree in general
business in 2009, and earned his MBA from the college in 2012.
“It was an absolute pleasure leading the men's basketball
program at Nichols College over the past 13 years,” said
Sokolnicki. “I will cherish the memories and the
relationships that were developed along the journey. I was so
fortunate to be able to share this season and the experience with
some amazing players, parents and fans.”