Indiana University Northwest introduced Nicki Monahan-Keith in the McMahon Student Athlete Resource Room to as the next head coach of the RedHawks’ women’s basketball team.
Indiana University Northwest Office of Athletics Announces New Women’s Basketball Coach 2024
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After serving as an assistant coach for the past five seasons, she earned this role and is one of the university's most accomplished women’s basketball student-athletes.
As the program’s second all-time leading scorer with 2,319 points, she had her number 22 retired in 2022. She also captured A.I.I. Freshman of the Year, was a two-time conference player of the year, and a three-time NAIA All-America selection.
It has been a long journey for her, having served as a student-athlete, student worker, assistant coach, and most recently an interim head coach for the past two months.
“The girls know how I am as a coach, and I've built strong relationships with them over the last four years,” Monahan-Keith said. “Some I've coached the whole time they've been here, so they know they can come to me with anything. They also know that I expect them to work hard every single day. My athletes understand this expectation going forward, and I think they're also very excited.”
Monahan-Keith is thrilled to have Jessica Carrothers back, who earned first-team all-league accolades, All-American honors, and CCAC Player of the Year in 2024. She is also excited to have nearly all her returning student-athletes back this season, as they already share a strong bond.
“We have a lot of returning players, a very strong senior class, and a lot of upperclassmen returning,” Monahan-Keith said. “The new girls that we've added to the team this year are stepping in right away and making an impact. I'm excited to see what this group can do.”
A key focus for Monahan-Keith going into the season will be transitioning to a faster and more efficient tempo.
“This year, we're going to try to play a little quicker, aim to create more easy transition opportunities, and build on what we've developed in the past,” Monahan-Keith said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how the team adapts to these new changes this year.”
She acknowledged her family and their unwavering support and influence in her journey. She credits them for shaping her into the person and coach she is today.
“It meant the world to me that they were able to travel and attend every single game,” Monahan-Keith said. “It was great to look in the stands and see familiar faces, knowing we had support, both for me individually and for the team. My mom and dad were like parents to some of the other girls on the team, too.”
Director of Athletics Ryan Shelton believed that keeping Monahan-Keith would preserve the family culture within the team.
“I wanted to create a family culture and dynamic, and this feels very much like that with Nikki staying here at IUN,” Shelton said. “I'm glad to have someone who cares about it as much as I do. It's not just about having an alumnus but having a true legacy player. Nicki is one of the big reasons that I'm still here.”
She deeply acknowledges her family support and influence in her journey; she credits them for shaping her into the person and coach she is today.
“Definitely, a big part of who I am is because of my family, both my immediate and extended,” Monahan-Keith said. “They have helped shape me into the individual I am. I've also learned a lot from Coach Shelton. It's going to be amazing having him in the office every day to support me. If I need to bounce ideas off of him or to talk about the game from the night before, I know he'll always be there to listen and give advice.”
She’s ready to get to work this season and lead her players in competing for a title.
“I think the big thing this year is once we start our preseason conditioning, getting in shape, and buying into that competitive nature every single day,” Monahan-Keith said. “We want to play fast and play for each other. We have a unique group with many returning players along with the girls we recruited. Our goal is to be highly competitive in the conference, win the championship, and make it back to the national tournament. I believe with this group; we have all the abilities to achieve that.”
For more information on Monahan-Keith and the Indiana University Northwest Women's Basketball Team please visit iunredhawks.com.