MANKATO, Minn. – Ryan Nichols has announced his resignation as head coach of Bethany women's soccer after two years with the program.
 
Nichols led the Vikings to consecutive nine-win seasons with an overall mark of 18-15-5 and finished second in the UMAC standings the past two seasons with a combined league record of 17-4-3. He was selected as the 2025 UMAC Women's Soccer Coach of the Year.
 
"I want to thank everyone at Bethany for making these last two years a dream come true," said Nichols. "President Pfeiffer, Pat [Garvin] and Ryan [Kragh] our athletic directors, athletic department and athletic training staff, and most of all the players, have all played a part in making my time here warm and welcoming. I will always look fondly on my time at Bethany and plan to be a supporter from afar in this next chapter of my life."
 
In his first season at the helm, Nichols directed the Vikings to the UMAC playoff championship for the first time in program history, finishing the 2024 season 9-7-3 overall. This past season, Nichols and the women's soccer team finished 9-8-2 overall and made an appearance in the conference postseason tournament. Nichols coached 10 All-Conference honorees (five First-Team and five Second-Team) in the past two seasons, highlighted by 2025 Offensive Player of the Year, Elena Luján Rubio.
 
"Thanks to Coach Nichols for all he poured into the Bethany's women's soccer program," said Co-Athletic Director Pat Garvin. "His leadership not only strengthened the team on the field but also shaped a positive, growth-minded culture off of it. We're grateful for the countless hours he invested and the belief he instilled in every player. His impact will continue to be felt long after his time here."
 
A search for the next head coach of Bethany women's soccer is underway.