PITTSBURG — Pittsburg State University head women's soccer coach Wes Branstetter has announced the addition of his assistant coaching staff. Kat Nichols has been hired as the Gorillas' assistant coach/recruiting coordinator, while Katie Smith joins the program as an assistant coach and Rachel Hutchens joins as a volunteer assistant coach in charge of goalkeepers.
"What an exciting day to finally announce the first staff for the Gorillas' women's soccer team," Branstetter said. "We couldn't have hired a better staff. These three women will help us establish this program as an MIAA title contender, but most importantly they will be a massive part of building a culture that will enhance growth in all aspects. I'm so blessed that Kat, Katie and Rachel have embarked on this once in a lifetime journey."
Nichols comes to Pitt State after serving as the head coach and the girls college liason for the Hoover Vestavia Soccer Club in Birmingham, Ala., the past four seasons. She also served as a staff coach for Vestavia Hills Soccer Club from 2015-19 and has been the girls director of coaching for the club since 2016. Prior to that time, Nichols was a staff coach for the Hoover Soccer Club from 2006-12.
Nichols competed as a centre back at Samford University from 2001-05. She earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Samford in May 2005. The Grapevine, Texas, native came up through the club and ODP system in North Texas. She attended Colleyville Heritage High School.
"I'm excited to join Gorilla Nation and be a part of the tradition of athletic and academic excellence at Pitt State," Nichols said. "With a beautiful campus, state of the art facilities, support of the school and local community, it's great to be a Gorilla!! I am honored and thankful that Wes has given me the opportunity to help build the foundation that is Pitt State Women's Soccer."
Smith comes to Pitt State after serving as an assistant coach at Arkansas State University in 2023. She also served as an assistant coach at Northwest Mississippi Community College in 2022, helping the program to a No. 4 ranking and a berth in the NJCAA Division II National Tournament. Smith, who also has coaching experience with Lobos Rush, Tri-Cities FC, Collierville (Tenn.) Schools and Fayette Academy, played collegiately at Southwest Tennessee Community College, Louisiana State University – Shreveport and Freed Hardeman University. She earned a bachelor's degree in special education from Freed-Hardeman in May 2023.
"Pittsburg State is a school set up for success," Smith said. "The family environment, alongside the beautiful campus, facilities, and community support, make this a wonderful place to call home. Coach Wes, Coach Kat and Coach Rachel are wonderful coaches and human beings and I am extremely grateful and ecstatic to come alongside them to lay down the foundation of this program and all of its success to come."
Hutchens joins the Pitt State staff as a volunteer assistant coach, after completing her collegiate playing career as a goalkeeper for Kansas State University in 2022. The Huntington Beach, Calif., native competed for the Wildcats for four seasons (2019-2022) after competing for two years for the University of Arkansas (2017-2018). She earned a bachelor's degree in operations management from K-State.
"Two of the most important things to have from a university are the support from administration and from the community," Hutchen said. "Pitt State has both. Not many get the chance to be part of building something from the ground up. I'm thankful for this opportunity and I'm excited to join this staff and get started."
