May 17, 2000 5:28 PM Sportsticker

EDINBURG, Texas (Ticker) -- Karin Nicholls, who spent the past five seasons at Division II Truman State, today was named women's basketball coach at Texas-Pan American.

A graduate of Nebraska, Nicholls posted a 71-64 record at Truman State and guided the Bulldogs to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1998-99.

She also worked for three seasons at her alma mater as a full-time assistant and recruiting coordinator.

"Karin is a dymanic leader who will bring much-needed stability to our program," Texas-Pan American athletic director William Weidner said. "Coach Nicholls has earned the respect and admiration of many of the top people in intercollegiate athletics."

However, Nicholls faces a major rebuilding project as the Lady Broncs are coming off a 6-21 campaign.

"I saw a wonderful opportunity to turn around a basketball program," she said. "I saw a ton of support and wanting to succeed in the administration. There's really a healthy atmosphere where everyone wants to succeed."

Two years ago, Nicholls led Truman State to a school-record 22-9 mark. This past season, the Bulldogs were 17-9.

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