Erin Brown, the newly hired head volleyball coach, hopes to lead the volleyball team to the top of the Southland Conference in the next couple of years. “I’m pushing for top five, top three,” Brown said. “I have no idea what I’m stepping into. I think it’s more than doable at Nicholls. I’ll push to the best of my ability to be at the top of the conference. Hopefully we’ll start next year.”

Brown, who was named the new Lady Colonel head volleyball coach on May 18, pending approval by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors, replaces former Lady Colonel head coach M.J. Engstrom who resigned in March.

“I’m excited, and it’s a big opportunity,” Brown said. “It’s a step up. It’s going to be a challenge, but I think I’m more than capable of doing it.”

Before coming to Nicholls, she served as head coach at Independence Community College for two years, compiling a two-year record of 62-21. In 2004, her squad finished the season 40-9 and made a trip to the NJCAA Division II National Volleyball Tournament. Prior to her tenure at Independence, she served as an assistant volleyball coach at the University of Great Falls in Great Falls, Mont., for one season.

Brown said her immediate goal at Nicholls is to familiarize herself with her players, the campus and the signees.

During the offseason, the Lady Colonels’ 2003 SLC Championship trophy was taken away while they were also included in the NCAA’s investigation of Nicholls athletics because of their use of an ineligible player during both the regular and postseason.

Brown said her goal is to bring the SLC Championship back to Thibodaux.

“I talked to some of them, and they know it’s there (the SLC Championship) even though it’s not legally there,” Brown said. “To bring stability is to run a clean honest program. They need to be responsible but walk away enjoying Nicholls State.” Brown said she met with the seven returnees in an interview and has spoken with everyone over the phone since being hired.