DUDLEY, Mass. (May 17 ) – After 13 years at the helm of the Nichols College men's basketball program, Head Coach Dave Sokolnicki '97 has announced his departure from the program. He informed Director of Athletics Charlyn Robert of his decision to leave the program late last week to pursue an opportunity in the corporate world.

“It was an absolute pleasure leading the men's basketball program at Nichols College over the past 13 years,” said Sokolnicki. “I will cherish the memories and the relationships that were developed along the journey. I was so fortunate to be able to share this season and the experience with some amazing players, parents and fans.”       

The winningest coach in program history, Sokolnicki ends his tenure with 150 wins and as one of just seven coaches all-time with more than 100 wins at the College across all sports. He guided Nichols to the Commonwealth Coast Conference Championship Tournament in 10 of his 13 seasons, and was named CCC Coach of the Year in 2003. During his tenure, Sokolnicki coached 13 All-CCC players and saw seven players garner CCC All-Academic Status with a 3.5 or higher grade-point average.

“It has been a privilege working with Dave and I will always treasure the work that we have done together,” said Robert.  “Dave's legacy is the value added to each student-athlete's experience while representing the College. His focus was always on the team being the star, but he was the guiding light to the team's success. He will make incredible contributions to the corporate world.”

Over the past five years, Sokolnicki has coached three CCC Rookies of the Year. The 2011 honoree, Ryan Sheehan, went on to be named the d3hoops.com Northeast and ECAC New England Rookie of the Year, and scored his 1,000th career point as a sophomore in 2012. Eight of the 24 student-athletes on the men's basketball 1,000-point scorer list have reached the milestone during Sokolnicki's tenure.

Sokolnicki was honored as the CCC of the Year in 2003 after bringing the Bison to their first-ever CCC Tournament semifinal appearance. The following season, he guided Nichols to a school-record 17 wins and the CCC's Team Sportsmanship Award. This past year, Sokolnicki and the Bison hosted a CCC playoff game and again advanced to the semifinals.

A four-year standout on the men's basketball team from 1992 to 1996, Sokolnicki was named Second-Team All-CCC in 1996. Also a standout on the football field, Sokolnicki was a three-year starter at wide receiver, where he garnered All-NEFC and All-New England honors while setting several records. He was inducted into the Nichols College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004. A native of Seymour, Conn., Sokolnicki earned his MBA from Nichols in 1999 and worked in the Alumni Relations office before taking on a full-time role in athletics in the 2002-03 season.

Sokolnicki was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director in 2009. In addition to his coaching duties, he also oversaw Nichols' Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), introduced the College's sportsmanship program code, “BISON PRIDE,” and started the four-part Student-Athlete Leadership Series. He was integral in the department's community service initiatives, including a long-standing partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Webster.