ROCK HILL, S.C. — Winthrop women's basketball coach Lynette Woodard has named Nicole Burford as an assistant coach. Burford joins the Eagles following three years as an assistant women's basketball coach at Oakland University.

Burford served as an assistant women's basketball coach at Kalamazoo College from 2005-2007. In 2007, she became an assistant coach to the women's basketball team and track and field team at Olivet College, a Division III program in Michigan. She also worked as an instructor in health and human performance. In 2010, she was promoted to head coach of the women's basketball program.

During the 2013-2014 season, the Olivet was ranked 18^th and 19^th in the nation (WBCA, d3hoops) and won 22 games overall, an Olivet College record. They also held a 14-2 conference record, the best in program history. Burford developed six All-MIAA players, two d3hoops All-Great Lakes Region honorees, a WBCA All-America honorable mention and a Capitol One Academic All-America First-Team honoree. Burford led Olivet to the conference tournament in four straight years and in 2015, became Olivet College's most winningest women's basketball coach.

The Ohio native attended Oberlin College where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics. At Oberlin, she was a member of the women's basketball team and track and field team. Burford won All-Conference for North Coast Athletic Conference, Best Defensive Player and the Hustle Award in 2005 and was a member of the 2005 All-Conference 4 x 1 relay team. She earned a Master's degree in Sports Management from Western Michigan University in 2007.

Lynette Woodard on Nicole Burford
Coach Nicole Burford brings a lot of experience and knowledge … She is a great addition to the Winthrop University Women's basketball program.  Her specialization in the area of player development will help us tremendously. She will facilitate individual work outs, help facilitate team scouting reports and help with recruiting.  She is a student of the game.  She will relate well with our young players and her presence makes us stronger. I am excited that she is a part of our staff.