LEWISTON, Maine — Valeria Nikolaev has been named head coach of the Bates College women's tennis program, announced today by Director of Athletics Stacey Bunting.
Nikolaev comes to Bates after two seasons as the Moore Family Assistant Coach of Women's Tennis at Dartmouth College, where she played an integral role in the Big Green's continued growth on the court and in recruiting, student-athlete development and program operations.
During the 2025-26 season, the Big Green finished 14-8 overall and 8-2 at home. Dartmouth tied for fourth in the conference standings, its best Ivy League finish since the 2017-18 season. In Nikolaev's first season in Hanover, the team earned nine victories, including six at home.
"Valeria brings a strong combination of competitive experience, genuine relationship-building and a deep commitment to student-athlete development," Bunting said. "Her vision aligned exceptionally well with what we value at Bates. She understands the demands of pursuing athletic excellence while thriving in a rigorous academic environment, is deeply invested in the student-athlete experience and is excited to lead Bates women's tennis forward."
Prior to joining Dartmouth, Nikolaev served as an assistant coach at Jacksonville State University (Ala.) during the 2023-24 season, helping the Gamecocks post a 12-8 record and advance to the Conference USA semifinals.
Nikolaev began her collegiate coaching career at her alma mater, Mississippi State, serving as a student coach with the Bulldogs from 2021-23. She also gained experience in tennis operations and instruction through positions at Pretty Brook Tennis Club in Princeton, New Jersey, and Arrowhead Tennis Club in Vail, Colorado.
"Valeria is a first-class individual and a tireless worker who has a tremendous ability to connect with people and get the most out of those around her," said Bob Dallis, Dartmouth's Marge & Ron Bass '61 Family Head Coach of Women's Tennis. "We relied on her heavily during her two years at Dartmouth, particularly in player development and recruiting, and she is the type of coach who is never afraid to roll up her sleeves and do whatever the program needs. She will be a tremendous asset in building relationships with student-athletes, recruits, and alumni, and she is ready to take Bates women's tennis to new heights."
Nikolaev earned a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology with a concentration in clinical exercise physiology from Mississippi State in 2022. She earned a Master of Science in kinesiology and sport management from Jacksonville State University in 2024.
"I would like to thank Stacey, (Associate Director of Athletics) Adrienne Shibles '91, and the entire hiring committee for their confidence in my vision for the women's tennis program," Nikolaev said. "I am excited to begin this next chapter at Bates and join a community committed to excellence in every facet of the student-athlete experience. I look forward to working with ambitious student-athletes who want to compete at the highest level while growing as leaders on and off the court."
