Started in Auburn: August 2024

Education: Nilson received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a minor in Coaching from LaGrange College in May 2015 and her Master of Science in Kinesiology – Strength and Conditioning from the University of Georgia in December 2016.

Tasks: Nilson oversees all aspects of strength and conditioning training for Auburn’s Olympic sports and serves as the head strength and conditioning coach for women’s tennis.

Previous experience: Prior to Auburn, Nilson served as the Assistant Director of Women’s Sports Performance at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. While at UNC, she was directly responsible for all aspects of training for the gymnastics, women’s tennis and softball programs. She was also responsible for working with the UNC EXSS department to train athletes and staff in women’s health and leadership. As the Internship Coordinator, she was responsible for all things related to hiring interns and training students and full-time interns. Nilson was also directly responsible for running Tar Heel Performance’s social media platforms.

Nilson also spent two years as a strength and conditioning assistant at North Carolina State University. While at NCSU, she specifically coached softball, men’s and women’s golf, and rifle programs, and assisted with baseball, volleyball, men’s soccer, men’s tennis, and women’s tennis. Prior to NCSU, she spent two years at the University of Georgia, where she earned her master’s degree, and she also completed internships at Athens Academy and LaGrange College.

Nilson is certified by the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (SCCC) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (CSCS) and holds the TPI Level Two certification.

Personal: A native of Hawkinsville, Georgia, Nilson played four years of college softball at LaGrange College and was a member of Phi Mu Sorority. She lives in Auburn with her husband, Ken, and daughter, Austin.