ARKON, Ohio – Texas A&M-Kingsville softball coach Craig Nicholson has been announced as the new head softball coach at the University of Arkon.

Nicholson has spent the last five years as the leader of the Javelina softball program and during that time, he rolled up 174 victories, making him the winningest coach in program history. He also led the program to its first-ever appearance in College World Series in 2019, when the Javs also captured the Lone Star Conference regular season and tournament championships in the same season for the first time. Nicholson was also named LSC Coach of the Year in 2019.

Six TAMUK student-athletes coached by Nicholson earned the title of All-American, including senior Loren Kelly (Rockport, Texas), juniors Jory Cervantes (Pflugerville, Texas) and Matisen Onofrei (Mesa, Ariz.) and sophomore Aaliyah Ortiz (San Antonio, Texas), all of whom earned their selections in 2022. The 2022 squad also broke numerous program records, including marks for hits, homers, runs scored, batting average and slugging percentage while reaching the NCAA South Central Super Regional series for the second time in three seasons.

"I want to thank Coach Nicholson for his dedication and commitment to the Javelina Softball program, Athletic Department and University," said Executive Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation Steve Roach. "During his tenure, Craig transformed the Javelina softball program into a national title contender and made a tremendous impact on the student-athletes that came through the program. On behalf of the Javelina Athletic Department, I want to wish Craig, April and their family nothing but the best as they transition to the University of Akron."

A national search for a new head coach will commence immediately.

You can keep up with Javelina softball all year long by following @TAMUKSB and @JavelinaSports on both Twitter and Instagram, liking the Javelina Sports Facebook page, subscribing to the Javelina Athletics YouTube Channel and visiting Javelinaathletics.com. Watch your Javelinas live today on the Javelina Sports Network sponsored by Mendoza's Pharmacy.

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