Nicole LaBeck was announced as an assistant coach for the Marian softball program in August of 2021.
"I can't tell you how excited I am to have Nicole join our coaching staff," said Draves. "As a player, she was part of an integral group that helped us reestablish the program, so it's exciting to have her return to help us continue to grow even more. Her passion and loyalty to our program and our university makes this a very exciting time for all of us. Welcome home, Nicole!"
LaBeck rejoins the Sabre softball program after serving as a head coach for the 12U Sluggers through the Schaumburg Athletic Association. Prior to her head coaching position, LaBeck served as an assistant coach at NACC rival Dominican. In her lone season with the Stars, Dominican would go 18-20 and narrowly miss out on NACC postseason action despite a 12-10 conference ledger. LaBeck would aid in the coaching of a pair of All-NACC honorees.
"I want to thank Coach Draves and Jason Bartelt for this opportunity to be a part of the softball program again," said LaBeck. "I am beyond excited and thankful to rejoin the Marian family and continue to build on a great program. I want to thank my family friends for all of their support throughout this process."
A four-year standout outfielder at Marian, LaBeck was a First-Team All-NACC selection in 2016 after hitting .400 on the season with a .505 slugging percentage and 27 runs driven in. LaBeck closed out her career as a .293 hitter with a .366 on-base percentage with 67 runs driven in and a total of 107 hits. She also drew 44 walks during her career putting her sixth in the all-time record books, while her .484 on-base percentage in her all-conference season still ranks 10th-best for a single season in Marian history.
LaBeck graduated with a bachelor's degree in exercise and sport science from Marian in 2017 and earned a master's degree in applied exercise science from Concordia Chicago in 2020. She is a native of Hoffman Estates, Ill.
