Austin Nolan Spearheads Continued Success for USI Cross Country and Track & Field Programs
The University of Southern Indiana (USI) cross country and track & field programs are poised for continued growth under the guidance of assistant coach Austin Nolan, who enters his third year with the Screaming Eagles in the 2022-23 season. Hired in September 2022, Nolan plays a vital role in all facets of the programs, working closely with Head Coach Mike Hillyard.
A Proven Leader and Former Standout Athlete
Nolan’s impact has been immediate and significant. According to Hillyard, “Austin closed out his athletic career with one of the most impressive resumes in the history of our program.” He further emphasized Nolan’s inherent coaching qualities, stating, “Throughout his time here as a student-athlete, he exuded the qualities that are present in all good coaches: patience, persistence, a desire to learn and an incredible work ethic. Austin is a great addition to the USI coaching family as we continue to grow the program to meet the challenges ahead.”
During Nolan’s initial year, USI athletes achieved remarkable success, securing a combined eight individual titles at the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) championships in 2022. This included sweeping both the men’s and women’s cross country individual championships. His leadership continued to yield results, contributing to three more individual OVC titles in the 2023-24 season and an impressive seven individual championships in 2024-25. Notably, Nolan helped lead the USI Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams to a complete sweep of the 2024 OVC Championships.
Academic and Athletic Excellence
Nolan’s own athletic achievements are equally noteworthy. A two-time Academic All-American, he concluded his collegiate career with second-team All-America honors in track in 2022. Throughout his time as a student-athlete, Nolan was recognized as a two-time Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Runner of the Year in cross country and accumulated a total of eight GLVC championships across both cross country and track & field. He was also a two-time cross country GLVC Scholar Athlete of the Year, demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence alongside athletic prowess.
A Coaching Legacy
Nolan follows in the footsteps of his mother, Tammy Nolan, who served as the Head Coach for USI Women’s Cross Country/Track & Field from 1994 to 1997. This familial connection to the sport highlights a deep-rooted passion for coaching within the Nolan family. He also carries the legacy of his father, Jim Nolan, a USI and GLVC Hall of Famer.
Educational Background and Hometown Roots
A native of Evansville, Indiana, Austin Nolan graduated magna cum laude from USI in 2020 with bachelor’s degrees in both finance and accounting as well as professional services. He furthered his education, earning a master’s degree in sport management from USI in May 2022. Nolan’s strong academic foundation and local ties position him as a dedicated and invested member of the USI community, ready to guide the next generation of Screaming Eagles athletes.
