Alex Nichols Resigns as Head Men's Soccer Coach

Posted: Mar 25, 2023

Fayette, Mo. - Alex Nichols announced Friday he would be stepping down as the Head Men's Soccer Coach of Central Methodist to pursue other coaching opportunities.

Nichols has led CMU for the past nine seasons.

"To say Coach Nichols has been an instrumental part of helping CMU become one of the premiere athletic programs in the NAIA is an understatement," said Director of Athletics Jeff Sherman. "What Coach Nichols has accomplished over his career is incredible. Winning back-to-back NAIA National Championships in 2018 and 2019 followed with two additional trips to the NAIA National Semifinals is an amazing feat."

"I will forever be grateful for all of my student-athletes who created the success we have had," said Nichols. "It's beyond rare to have a program that loses just seven games in five years. It takes so many players to achieve that success."

Nicholas added, "Myself along with my assistants, past and present, will forever be grateful of the special talents and people who we have been fortunate to work with."

During his nine seasons on the sidelines, Nichols has built a soccer power at Central, having compiled a 153-30-13 overall record, one of the best across all divisions of collegiate soccer in the country.

Highlighting his time at CMU included leading the Eagles to back-to-back NAIA National Championships in 2018 and 2019. For his efforts in each of those championships, he was named the NAIA National Coach of the Year.

In the last four seasons, Nichols has led Central to four-straight Heart Regular Season and Tournament Championships. Additionally, the Eagles made four-straight NAIA National Tournament Semifinal appearances from 2018-2021.

CMU has also been a force on their home field, having won 46 consecutive games. Altogether, Nichols has coached 56 Heart All-Conference selections, 27 NAIA All-Americans and the 2018 NAIA National Player of the Year during his time with CMU.

He was enshrined as a member of the Central Methodist Athletics Hairston Hall of Fame on Jan. 28 of this year.

"We wish Alex continued success with his new challenge and journey. His passion and commitment for the success of our student athletes on and off the field are second to none. We thank him for elevating expectations in the pursuit of championships."

Sherman expects to there to be intense interest in the position, and a national search for the next head coach will begin immediately.

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