MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. | Florida Memorial announces the hiring of two-time NAIA National Championship coach Alex Nichols as men's head soccer coach. The two-time NAIA National Coach of the Year brings championship experience to Miami Gardens.
"We had solid interest in our soccer job from coaches across the country," said Director of Athletics Jason Horn. "Coach Nichols and I had several great conversations throughout the process, and it became apparent to me and our administrative team that he would be our guy to lead our program to championships."
The five-time Heart of America Athletic Conference Coach of the Year looks to lift a program not only on the conference level, but also on the national level.
"I am very excited about the opportunity to lead FMU men's soccer into the future," said Nichols. "Right off the bat, I felt extremely comfortable with Jason Horn, and I truly believe we have similar goals and aspirations for FMU and for the future of the FMU men's soccer program. Many thanks to President Hardrick, AD Horn, and Kevin Nesfield for their time and trust in this process. I am very excited to be a part of the FMU family."
During his time at Central Methodist, Nichols led his team to back-to-back NAIA National Championships in 2018 and 2019. Nichols also guided the Eagles to two additional trips to the NAIA National Final Four. In nine seasons, Nichols holds a CMU career record of 153-30-13 and has coached 56 All-Conference honorees along with 27 NAIA All-Americans.
Horn added, "The plan Coach Nichols shared is in-line with our motto - WIN. GROW. GRADUATE. I look forward to him bringing his proven culture of winning to South Florida."
In the last five seasons, Central Methodist has posted a 107-7-7 overall record, the best in college soccer across all divisions.
In 2021, Central Methodist won their fourth straight Heart Regular Season title and third straight conference tournament championship as well as four straight appearance in the NAIA National Semifinals. The Eagles concluded the season with a 22-1 record, and Nichols was named Heart Coach of the Year for the fourth consecutive season. In addition, his staff was also recognized as the United Soccer Coaches Regional Staff of the Year. Nichols has coached four Heart Players of the Year, four Heart Offensive Players of the Year, one Heart Newcomer of the Year, three Heart Defensive Players of the Year and one Heart Freshman of the Year throughout the previous four seasons.
Prior to joining Central Methodist, Nichols spent a season as an assistant coach and goalkeeper coach for the Columbia College (Mo.) men's and women's soccer teams. The Cougar women's team ranked fifth nationally in goals against average (0.620) and advanced to the National Tournament. The Men's team was ranked in the top 25 of the national rankings throughout the year.
In addition to his duties at Columbia College, Nichols guided perennial Mid-Missouri powerhouse Rock Bridge High School. Before taking over the program in 2012, Nichols spent three seasons as an assistant and strength coach. In two seasons at the helm, he posted a 42-13-2 record. Nichols was named the 2012 MHSAA Class 3 Central Region Coach of the Year, and Rock Bridge spent time ranked in the Top 20 nationally during the following season. He has also spent time coaching various levels of state club power Sporting Columbia. In his last season with Sporting Columbia, the team had a record of 14-1-2.
Nichols also serves as the head coach and technical director for the USL 2 Kaw Valley FC Men's Soccer Program, who are affiliated with Sporting 2 MLS Next and Major League Soccer Power Sporting Kansas City. In the summer of 2022, KVFC had a top 25 regular season record in all of USL 2 and achieved the best single season winning percentage in program history.
