Get to Know: Nikki Kieffer
The talented administrators, coaches and staff working at our member institutions help to make the Empire 8 Conference successful. And the
Get to Know Feature is a way for fans to get a better idea of who these individuals are.
Nikki Kieffer is the field hockey coach at Utica College.
Where did you attend college? I attended Utica College and was a two-sport athlete in field hockey and ice hockey. I majored in Public Relations with a minor in Management
What made you choose to attend Utica? I wasn’t ready to go anywhere too far away from home and growing up only 20 minutes away from campus Utica was a good fit. And Utica had a great class size with a good student/faculty ratio.
How long have you worked at Utica? I started as the assistant field hockey coach in July of 2015 and was named interim head coach in December 2015.
What is the best thing about the Utica Campus? All of the new things Utica College has to offer. Growing in undergrad and graduate programs and the opening of the Dome and more upgrades still to come.
What is the first word that comes to mind when you hear ‘Utica’? Blue collar and hardworking.
Who has been the most influential person during your career? My career is just getting started but I go to my dad a lot. He is a long-time ice hockey coach.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I have a new puppy so she takes up a lot of my time.
Top three things on your bucket list?
Travel to Greece, London and Australia.
What is something most people don’t know about you? Coming out of high school I never planned to play field hockey in college, so it is ironic that I played four years and am now coaching.
Rapid Fire questions
Favorite food/snack: Hummus & Pretzels
Favorite Band/Musician: Thomas Rhett
Favorite TV show: Stitchers or Once Upon a Time
Favorite Book: The Five People you Meet in Heaven
Favorite Place to visit: Spain
One thing you can’t live without: Coffee
Pet Peeve: When I have to repeat myself more than two times.