Purdue Northwest Athletics announces the hiring of Nic Reynolds as Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach and Facilities & Events Coordinator. Reynolds comes from the University of Illinois-Springfield (UIS), a neighboring NCAA Division II program in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
“We had many quality candidates apply for this position, but Nic separated himself as the right guy at the right time for our program,” said Men’s Basketball Head Coach Boomer Roberts. “Nic has a strong ability to build authentic relationships quickly because of his character, and his personality translates well to our staff and Purdue Northwest. Nic is a winner whose work ethic is off the charts, which helped him become a two-time All-American as a player. As all of his previous coaches raved about his attitude and approach to competing. I’m really excited to add Nic to our staff and get to work as we move the PNW Basketball family forward.”
Reynolds comes to the Pride after one season at UIS, where he worked under Matt Brock. The Peoria, Illinois native helped lead the Prairie Stars to 14 wins in 2019-2021, including the program’s first win over Bellarmine, who was ranked #8 in the country at the time. UIS also swept 11th-ranked Indianapolis in Reynolds’ time on the Prairie Stars’ bench.
“I am ecstatic for the opportunity to join the PNW Pride,” said Reynolds. “I love the game of basketball and being able to stay around the game with a great group of people is a blessing. Basketball has given me so much and I’m excited to be able to give that back. I’m in the fight!”
Reynolds joins a PNW Basketball family that has seen an increase in win totals each of Roberts’ two seasons. The Pride return their three leading scorers and rebounders, and have added an impressive 2020 recruiting class.
Prior to Springfield, Reynolds spent one season as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Columbia (MO) College. Before becoming a GA, Reynolds put together a remarkable four-year career for the Cougars and NAIA Hall of Fame coach Bob Burchard. Reynolds was a two-time captain, a three-time all-conference honoree, and received NAIA All-American status twice in his playing career. He led the Cougars to the national tournament all four seasons and amassed an impressive 109 wins in his career.
“We feel like the foundation has been laid for Purdue Northwest Basketball, and we have high expectations moving forward,” Roberts said. “I think Nic is going to bring great joy to the gym and the office every day, and we’re pumped to get rolling.”
As Facilities & Events Coordinator, Reynolds will also assist the Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities in planning, organizing, scheduling and executing utilization of PNW athletic facilities for athletic, recreational, intramural and club sport events. He will also help served as daily building manager, schedule and oversee student staffing, coordinate scheduling of camps and clinics, and assist in all game day operations for home events at the Hammond and Westville campuses.
