Decatur, IL - Millikin University Athletics has announced a leadership change in the Volleyball program. Head Coach Whitney Nichols has departed the program.
The Big Blue have appointed Hannah Dick to the role of Interim Head Volleyball Coach, as announced by Vice President for Athletics and Community Engagement
Lori Kerans '85.
"Hannah Dick knows our student-athletes and our volleyball program well, and I am confident in her ability to provide leadership and continuity through this transition," said Kerans. "Our priority is providing stability, support and a positive student-athlete experience while allowing this team to continue pursuing its goals this season."
Dick is in her 4th season with the Millikin University volleyball program. She joined the Millikin staff in August of 2023 as an intern, before being elevated to assistant coach ahead of the 2024 season
In her three plus years with the program, Dick has helped Millikin to a 76-37 record. The Big Blue have been to the NCAA postseason on two occasions, including a 31-6 season in 2024 that saw Millikin ranked 10th in the country following a sweet 16 appearance. She has contributed to nine All-CCIW selections in that span. In her two full-time seasons with Millikin she has worked closely with the middle blockers, helping the Big Blue gain more than 0.5 blocks per set from 2023 to 2024, marking the first time in well over 10 years that Millikin averaged two blocks a set over a season. to jump from 7th to 2nd in the CCIW in blocking statistically.
Prior to arriving at Millikin, Dick spent four years coaching volleyball and track & field in the Berea City School District, also working with the Baldwin Wallace University men's volleyball program. During her time with the Yellow Jackets, BW won the 2023 Midwest Collegiate Volleyball League Championship, finishing with a 26-8 record. Dick has also assisted with volleyball camps at Texas A&M, Missouri, Purdue, and IMG Academy.
Returning to the Big Blue coaching staff to assist Dick will be former Big Blue head coaches Debbie Kiick and Linda Slagell, along with longtime assistant Denna Williams.
"We are fortunate that Hannah will be joined on the coaching staff by Coaches Kiick, Slagell, and Williams." Said Kerans. "These are three coaches who know and love Millikin Volleyball, and their experience, perspective and commitment to this program will be invaluable as we move forward together."
Kiick and Slagell are the two winningest coaches in program history, and possess a combined 37 years of head coaching experience, totaling 862 coaching victories between them. Kiick served as Millikin's head coach from 2001 until 2023, collected a record of 535-283 with four CCIW championships. Slagell was Kiick's predecessor, spending 14 seasons at the helm of the program from 1987 through 2000. She racked up 327 wins to 190 losses, and three CCIW championships. Williams spent more than a decade working the program during Kiick's tenure in an assistant coaching role.