After seeing the 2020 softball season cut short by COVID-19, A.J. Nichols returns to the hilltop for her second year as a graduate assistant coach with the WLU softball program.
   A native of Glenshaw, Pa., Nichols came to West Liberty following an outstanding career at NCAA Division III Penn State-Behrend in Erie, Pa.
   The 4-time All-AMCC selection and 2-time AMCC Pitcher of the Year went 56-16 in the circle during her four seasons with the Lions, compiling nearly 400 strikeouts and a 1.72 career ERA. Also a force at the plate, Nichols hit .356 as a designated player with 192 career hits and 113 RBIs.
   The daughter of Jacki and Joe Nichols, A.J. graduated from PSU-Behrend with a degree in Accounting and Finance. She is working toward her Master’s in Business Administration at West Liberty.
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