Lake Forest College Director of Athletics Nicki Pieart announced Thursday that she will depart the College in March to become the Managing Director of the NCAA Sport Science Institute (SSI).
Pieart joined Lake Forest in March 2022, and under her leadership, the Foresters have achieved remarkable success. Over the past three years, Forester teams have amassed nearly 500 victories, posting a .645 winning percentage in conference play. During that span, student-athletes have earned 226 all-conference honors, including 25 conference player of the year awards. Lake Forest teams have captured 11 league titles and advanced to 10 NCAA Division III Tournaments.
Academically, Forester student-athletes have excelled, earning 725 academic all-conference honors, 105 Academic All-District distinctions, and 10 MWC Elite 20 Awards. Additionally, 159 Foresters have been inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, the national college athlete honor society.
Administratively, Pieart was instrumental in the Department of Athletics' transition to Campus Life, strengthening its ties across campus. She led the hiring of 13 full-time staff members, including seven head coaches, as well as several part-time assistants. Her tenure also saw key facility enhancements, including the renovation of the varsity gymnasium, resurfacing of the tennis courts, and branding updates in the swimming pool—projects she collaborated on with Jackie Slaats, the College's Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Career Advancement. The department's commitment to service was recognized by NADIIIAA for its partnership with Special Olympics, highlighting its impact beyond athletics. She also played a key role in establishing a campus-wide staff governance committee to enhance representation and collaboration.
Pieart was recently selected to serve on the NCAA Division III Management Council, one of the highest-level committees for athletic directors in the division. She previously chaired the NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports.
In her new role at the NCAA, Pieart will be responsible for the day-to-day management and oversight of SSI operations, including its three service lines: Policy, Education and Strategic Engagement; Health Promotion; and Sports Medicine.
"Stepping into this new role is bittersweet," said Pieart. "Few opportunities could have drawn me away from Lake Forest. While I'm excited for this next chapter with the NCAA and the chance to serve our Association's membership, my time in The Forest has been incredibly rewarding. I'm grateful for the support of the College's leadership, and I can't say enough about the Forester student-athletes, coaches, and administrative staff. The department and College are well-positioned for continued success, and the strong Tradition of Excellence will carry on for years to come."
"On behalf of the College, I want to thank Nicki for all she has done over the last three years," said Lake Forest College Vice President for Campus Life Ed Whipple. "Our student-athletes have excelled in competition, in the classroom, and in the community under her leadership. We wish her well and know she will be equally successful in her new role with the NCAA."
A national search for the next Lake Forest College Director of Athletics will begin immediately.
