Central women’s basketball coach Nikkel retires
Central College
PELLA—Jerry Nikkel has retired after nearly seven years with the Central College women’s basketball program, including the past three as head coach.
Nikkel informed the team of his decision late Thursday afternoon. Athletics director Al Dorenkamp said the college will conduct an immediate search for a replacement.
The Dutch posted a 5-20 record and were 15-60 during Nikkel’s three seasons as head coach.
“I got a call seven years ago asking if I could help out,” Nikkel said. “I jumped on board as an assistant and then, of course, became the head coach. It’s been a tremendous joy for me to do it.
“We haven’t won as many games as we would have liked, but I wouldn’t trade any player we’ve had in the program in all those years. These are young women who are going to be very successful in their lives. They’re great people and I’m fortunate to have worked with them.”
An Iowa High School Athletic Association hall of fame coach, Nikkel racked up a 430-190 record in 29 years as a high school boys’ basketball coach. He was at Marshalltown 10 years, guiding the Bobcats to four state tournament appearances in six years. Nikkel coached at Pella Christian for 20 years, winning state championships with the Eagles in 1990, 1992 and 1993.
He also was a head girls’ softball coach for 19 years, including 10 at Marshalltown. He piloted Pella Christian to two state tourney berths and in 2007 began a three-year run as head coach at Knoxville. He compiled a 475-352 career softball mark.
Nikkel intended to retire when he left Marshalltown and moved to Pella in 2004.
“It was hard that first fall, not starting practice,” he said.
Consequently, Nikkel, a Central graduate, was grateful for Dorenkamp’s call for assistance at his alma mater early that winter.
“It’s been a real privilege to be a part of it, getting to work with so many great people at Central and getting to know the other coaches in the conference and even the officials,” Nikkel said. “I have no regrets. I’ve loved every minute of it.”
Despite Central’s record, Nikkel is confident that the young Dutch squad is headed back to the top. Central has earned eight NCAA Division III women’s basketball tournament berths and captured the 1993 national title.
“I feel like we’ve moved forward,” he said. “The program will continue to grow. This team has a good future and I’m certain will return to the glory days of Central women’s basketball. I have no doubt about that.”
