Nicci Hays Fort was hired as a Drake University women’s basketball assistant coach in July of 2016.
Hays Fort brought an impressive coaching background to the Bulldogs having been head coach at three different institutions, including most recently serving as the head coach of the Colgate University women’s basketball team for five seasons. She was also head coach of Division II Barry University and the United States Merchant Marine Academy, where she helped start the service academy’s program.
“We hit the jackpot with Nicci,” said Drake head coach Jennie Baranczyk. “She is an awesome person, who has coached at several levels and is going to be a great compliment to our entire coaching staff. We have known each other for many years and I have great respect for her as a coach. Our fans and team are going to love her and we’re blessed and lucky to have her part of our program.”
Hays Fort also served as associate head coach at DePaul University, where during her stint the Blue Demons made five NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the 2006 NCAA Sweet Sixteen. She was also as an assistant coach at Nicholls State University for two seasons.
Hays Fort was a two-sport student-athlete in basketball and softball at Truman State in Kirksville, Mo., before finishing her career at Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Mo. She earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology and a minor in mathematics from Culver-Stockton.
