Ball State Cross Country and Track and Field Welcomes Assistant Coach Rachel Nichwitz
August 04, 2024 | Cross Country, Track & Field
"Coach Nichwitz brings a wealth of experience," Wheatley said. "She has been a part of successful programs as both a coach and an athlete who has competed at a high level. As an Indiana native, she has a great understanding of the community and the region. We are excited to have her as part of our BSU family and are looking forward to what she brings to Ball State cross country and track and field."
Nichwitz comes to Ball State after one year as an Assistant XC/TF Coach at Colorado Christian University. During her time at CCU she helped coach the men's cross country team to an eighth place finish and the women's cross country team to a 16th place finish at the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships. Nichwitz also helped coach three athletes to All-American & Second Team All-American status at the NCAA D2 Indoor Track and Field Championships, including Shannon King who placed 10th in the 1600 (4:48.29), Matt Sorer who placed eighth in the 3,000 (8:05.30) and fifth in the 5,000 (13:57), and Josh Pierantoni who placed eighth in the 5,000 (13:59.80). Nichwitz helped the Cougars find even more success in the outdoor season with five athletes qualifying for the NCAA D2 Outdoor Track and Field Championships.Â
Prior to her time at Colorado Christian, Nichwitz served two years as a Program Manager at HoneyRock, Wheaton College's Center for Leadership Development where she also earned her Masters Degree in Outdoor and Adventure Leadership in 2021.
Nichwitz graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2019 with a degree in Kinesiology where she was a highly successful student-athlete. With the Razorbacks, Nichwitz was part of the four-time South Central Regional championship team and four-time SEC Cross Country championship team. She was also part of the three-time SEC Indoor Track and Field championship team and was a top finisher in the 3k and 5k. Nichwitz was a member of 2016 Team USA at IAAF U20 World Championships in the 3k Steeplechase and finished third at 2016 USATF U20 Championships in the 3k Steeplechase.Â