Valeria Nikolaev was named head coach of the Bates College women’s tennis program in August 2026.
Nikolaev came 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 program’s growth on the court and in recruiting, student-athlete development and program operations.
During the 2025-26 season, Dartmouth finished 14-8 overall and 8-2 at home while tying for fourth in the Ivy League standings, its best conference finish since the 2017-18 season. In Nikolaev’s first season in Hanover, the Big Green earned nine victories, including six at home.
Prior to Dartmouth, Nikolaev served as an assistant coach at Jacksonville State University (Ala.) during the 2023-24 season. She helped 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 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.
Nikolaev earned a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology with a concentration in clinical exercise physiology from Mississippi State in 2022 and a Master of Science in kinesiology and sport management from Jacksonville State University in 2024.
