Former Illinois College women’s basketball player Keida Nichols returned to the program as an assistant coach in June, 2024.

“We are very excited to have Keida join our coaching staff.  As a player, she was a remarkable athlete, a strong leader, and had a great basketball IQ,” McCormick said. “Because of her knowledge of the game and her ability to connect with others, she will be a tremendous asset to our program in this new role. There is always something special about coaching with a former player, and I am excited to have the opportunity to do that with her.”

“Throughout my athletic career, I've been fortunate to have had incredible coaches, both on the court and the track. This continued when I came to IC, and I am very grateful and blessed to have had such an amazing time competing here. I am super excited to be back at IC and be a part of this amazing staff. My goal is to emulate the coaching excellence that has shaped me into the person I am today,” Nichols said.

A three-year member of the Lady Blues, Nichols appeared in 61 games in her career on the Hilltop. She was awarded the team’s Defensive Player of the Year after the 2020-21 season. In her career with the Lady Blues, she averaged 4.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game while collecting 89 steals and recording 23 blocked shots.

A dual-sport standout, Nichols was also a two-time all-conference honoree in track and field. The native of Mahomet, Ill., has continued her connection with IC as she also serves as a TRIO Academic Coach and is the Coordinator for Student Engagement.