Concordia Irvine Athletics

Nicole Ballestero joined the Concordia University Irvine women's basketball program in the summer of 2017 following the completion of her master’s degree as a graduate assistant at the University of Idaho.  She and head coach Christine Collins-Kiernan together have helped build a winning culture at CUI and enter their sixth seasons together having already led the Eagles to four consecutive PacWest Conference tournament appearances and 67 wins.  Entering the 2022-23 season, the Eagles have developed three players who have earned multiple All-Conference selections: Guards Jasmine Rachal and Katie Timmerman as well as 2022 D2CCA All-American and West Region Player of the Year Michaela VanderKlugt.

During her time at Idaho, Nicole wrote the monthly booster club newsletter, aided in planning travel, and assisted in recruiting and player development.  Prior to her time in the Gem State, Ballestero coached for one year at her alma mater, Vanguard University.  
 
Nicole competed for the Lions from 2012-2014 after transferring from the University of San Diego.  While at Vanguard, Nicole was an All-American during both of her seasons of competition.  She was also named the GSAC and Women’s College Basketball Association NAIA Player of the Year in 2014.  Following her time at Vanguard, Ballestero played professionally in Denmark for the Aaboyhoj Greens during the 2014-2015 season.
 
Nicole graduated with a degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations from Vanguard University and earned her master's in movement and leisure science with an emphasis in leadership from the University of Idaho in August 2017.