COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – University of Colorado Colorado Springs assistant women's basketball coach Nic Cantrell will depart UCCS after three successful seasons to become the next head women's basketball coach at Adams State University in Alamosa, Colo.
 
"Leaving UCCS is bittersweet," said Cantrell.  "The last three years have been unforgettable.  From conference championships to national tournament appearances, I have been fortunate to work alongside incredible student-athletes, coaches, and administrators who made every day worthwhile.  A special thank you to head coach Misty Wilson for believing in me, challenging me, and helping me grow as a coach and leader.  Her mentorship and friendship have had a tremendous impact on my career and life."
 
Cantrell joined the Mountain Lions alongside head coach Misty Wilson prior to the 2023-24 season and played a key role in the program's remarkable turnaround. In their first season together, UCCS posted a 23-8 overall record and captured the program's first Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Regular Season Championship. The Mountain Lions improved by 13 wins from the previous season and advanced to the first of three consecutive RMAC Championship Tournament title games.
 
The success continued in 2024-25 as UCCS claimed its second RMAC Championship Tournament title and earned the program's fourth NCAA Tournament appearance.
 
During the 2025-26 season, the Mountain Lions finished second in the RMAC standings with a 15-5 conference record and reached their third straight RMAC Championship Tournament title game. UCCS secured the No. 4 seed in the NCAA South Central Regional and opened the tournament with a 72-67 victory over Adams State before falling to top-seeded Texas Woman's University, 70-59, in the regional semifinals.
 
"I am extremely excited for the opportunity Nic has gotten to be the next head women's basketball coach at Adams State and am also sad that our time together is coming to an end," commented Wilson. "It is rare these days to have an assistant coach for six years, especially one of his caliber. Together, we have built a solid program here, one that I look forward to continuing to build, and I fully expect he will do the same at Adams State. I greatly appreciate the passion, time, and energy that he poured into this program, and the intentionality he displayed during his time as my assistant. I wish Nic nothing but the best, he and his family will always have a special place in my heart!"
 
As Wilson's top assistant, Cantrell was part of a program that went 64-31 in three seasons.  He helped guide the Mountain Lions to a 64-31 overall record and a 45-17 mark in RMAC play over three seasons. UCCS captured two conference championships, posted a 7-2 record in RMAC Tournament games, and earned back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances during his tenure.
 
"As I move forward, I carry with me the values, relationships, and standards that made our program successful," said Cantrell.  "UCCS will always hold a special place in my heart."
 
Cantrell's first day at Adams State is today, June 8.
 
 
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As a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs competes in 14 varsity sports in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics.