Nickoloff works to potential

November 12, 1992
Originally published by The Daily Collegian (Fresno State)

The real goal is to work to your potential. Mandy Nickoloff, a newcomer to Fresno State swimming, has done all that and still wants more.

A high school All-American in 1990, Nickoloff has now launched a show-stopping Bulldog career. At Thousand Oaks High she was named team MVP and swam a best of 23.70 in the 50-yard freestyle. She came to FSU hoping to make an impact immediately. Or did she?

"I was nervous coming in," Nickoloff said. "But (head coach Daniella) Irle has improved us. She knows what she's doing. I trust her. It was hard at first to adjust, but I got used to it."

She added that she "was insecure when (former FSU coach) Teri McKeever was not going to return, but I think it's worked out for the best."

Make that an impressive impact. In the season's opening match against USC, she was in on the relay team that started out hot to bury the Trojans in the early going. The Bulldogs won the 200 medley relay in 1:52.08.

Though FSU lost the 400 freestyle race against USC and came up short in that match, they returned to a sweeping win over Pepperdine with Nickoloff playing a key role in both events.

The first taste of college competition was sweet for Nickoloff. In addition to winning an individual race, she started the 400 free relay win against Pepperdine.

"I try to train as hard as I can to do the best I can," Nickoloff said.

That is well backed up by Irle.

"Mandy is a national level swimmer, no doubt. Her work ethic is at national level, she trains at national level, and she is in the weight room on that level. She is strong, proficient and explosive in all those areas," said the first-year Bulldog skipper.

Against Utah and in the Robertson Homes Western Invitational, Nickoloff continued to put on a show.

Said Irle, "She's going to compete and score on a national level, race there, and win there. It could be this year, but I want to make it clear that there's no pressure. I'm not pushing her to that.

"I know that she can be a nationally ranked swimmer and dominate, but she has to know that she can handle being there. Physically, she is, but the mental part is always tricky with everybody like her.

"I'm going to teach her to be a success so she can get to that level, but she will get there. That's no doubt."

Does Nickoloff think that the team has a new attitude this year with a new coach and a new league to jump into?

"Yes, yes, and yes. People around here are a lot more serious, dedicated and determined to win. Everyone's set their goals higher than they once thought possible, and yes, we're in shock. But we like the shock."

This year's incoming class, led by Nickoloff, Debra Weber and Carrie Bennett is touted to be the best in Bulldog history. And they have certainly proved that point--that they can hang on at Division I level.

"She is a real talent," Irle said. "She'll bring this team to a higher level both with her ability and work ethic."