Coach Nicole Ballestero of Concordia University Irvine (NCAA D2)

This episode is extremely special to me, because it features my very good friend, and former college teammate, Nicole Ballestero. Nicole joined the Concordia University Irvine women's basketball program in the summer of 2017 following the completion of her master’s degree as a graduate assistant at the University of Idaho. She received her master's in movement and leisure science with an emphasis in leadership. Before Nicole went to the Potato State, she coached for one year at her alma mater, Vanguard University. Nicole competed for the Lions from 2012-2014 after transferring from the University of San Diego.  While at Vanguard, she was an All-American during both of her seasons of competition.  She was also named the GSAC and Women’s College Basketball Association NAIA Player of the Year in 2014.  Following her time at Vanguard, Ballestero played professionally in Denmark for the Aaboyhoj Greens during the 2014-2015 season. I'm so excited to have her share her experience going straight from a GA to a top assistant, the different cultures she's been a part of, and more!

Coach Nicole can be found on twitter @nkb_03