Nicholson replaces Marcus Young, who resigned in December after one season with the Scorpions.

"I'm looking forward to coming to South Texas," Nicholson said. "I know the expectations are high in volleyball, but we're going to work hard and do our best. I can't wait to get started."

Nicholson takes over a program that has won 63 games and lost only 21 in two seasons as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

"I am proud to have David join the growing Scorpion family," said Dan Huntley, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. "It was clear from the first time we talked about this position that David would be a great choice to be the next leader of our tradition-rich volleyball program. He brings a solid base of values and has a great way of reaching student-athletes through his coaching style. He is a proven winner, leader and mentor."

When Nicholson came for an on-campus interview, he held a practice session with the players, who supported the decision to hire Nicholson.

"Our student-athletes are excited about their new coach and are ready to get back to work preparing for next season," Huntley said. "David comes to us as a winner and his style of coaching will help our student-athletes reach their potential."

Nicholson steps into a program that has a strong winning tradition in volleyball.

In 2007, the Scorpions won the Red River Athletic Conference Tournament and the NAIA Region VI Tournament, advancing to the NAIA National Women's Volleyball Championships. The Scorpions advanced to the quarterfinals, where they lost to eventual national champion Fresno Pacific (Calif.). Despite a #18 ranking in the final NAIA poll at the end of the regular season, UTB/TSC finished the season with a 36-9 record and tied for fifth in the nation.

In 2006 under Coach Bruce Atkinson, the Scorpions finished with a 27-12 overall record and 11-1 mark in the RRAC. UTB/TSC advanced to the NAIA Region VI semifinals that season.

As members of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) prior to joining the NAIA, the Scorpions advanced to the national tournament in 1988, 1991, 1995, 1998 and 2004.

Nicholson comes to UTB/TSC after three years as head coach at Union College, an NAIA school in Barbourville, Kentucky. His 2007 team finished with an overall record of 33-14 and won the Appalachian Athletic Conference with a 16-2 record.

Nicholson admitted telling his players at Union was hard to do. "It wasn't easy decision to make, because I care a lot about the kids at Union," Nicholson said. "We had a lot of success last year without any seniors"

His overall coaching record at Union was 65-50.

Prior to his three years at Union, Nicholson spent two years as an assistant volleyball coach at Western Carolina University, an NCAA Division I school. During that time, the Catamounts were 28-33 overall.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Western Carolina University, and a Master of Education degree in Educational Administration from Union College.