MIU Athletics Welcomes Niki Collins as Head Women’s Basketball Coach

A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Collins was a standout multi-sport athlete at Scotlandville Magnet High School, where she competed in volleyball, basketball, softball, and track and field.

She continued her athletic career at Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO), competing in both volleyball and basketball. Collins earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from SUNO in 2012 before completing a Master of Science in Athletic Administration from Concordia University in 2017.

Collins began her collegiate coaching career at her alma mater, SUNO, where she served in multiple coaching and administrative capacities. Her professional experience includes collegiate coaching, athletic administration, compliance, recruiting, student-athlete development, budgeting, scheduling, facilities management, personnel supervision, and overall program operations.

With more than 12 years of collegiate coaching experience, Collins has developed a strong background in the NAIA and in building championship-caliber programs. Throughout her career, she has contributed to the development of 24 All-Americans and seven Olympians, reflecting her commitment to developing student-athletes at both the collegiate and international levels, including conference and national championships.

Her administrative experience also includes serving as an Assistant Athletic Director at Southern University at New Orleans, where she supported athletic operations, compliance, eligibility, student services, academic support, student-athlete engagement, and retention.

Building Pioneer Women's Basketball

At MIU, Collins is taking on the opportunity to build the Women's Basketball program from the ground up. Her responsibilities include establishing the program's culture, recruiting student-athletes, developing systems and standards, creating a competitive identity, and laying the foundation for long-term success at the collegiate level.

Her coaching philosophy centers on discipline, accountability, consistency, mental wellness, academic achievement, and holistic student-athlete development.

"My goal is to build more than a basketball program," Collins said. "I want to create an environment where student-athletes can grow in discipline, confidence, self-awareness, and purpose. Through athletics, personal growth, and the practice of TM, my goal is to help cultivate healthy humans: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually."

For Collins, the opportunity at MIU provides a chance to build a basketball program that reflects her approach to developing student-athletes beyond competition.

"MIU represents an opportunity to build basketball in a way that reflects my philosophy of holistic student-athlete development," Collins said. "I believe athletics should help cultivate healthy humans: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Through basketball, personal growth and TM, I'm excited to build a program where student-athletes can compete with purpose while becoming the best versions of themselves."

A New Chapter for MIU Athletics

As the founding head coach, Collins will help establish the identity and foundation of Pioneer Women's Basketball as MIU continues its development toward NAIA membership.

"Our Athletics team is really excited to welcome Coach Collins to the MIU team," said Maria Eduarda Silva, Sports Information & Creative Director for MIU Athletics. "Her experience with the NAIA and proven skills to develop athletes is exactly what we have been looking for. I am excited to see Coach Niki and the Women's Basketball program begin their inaugural season soon."

MIU Athletics welcomes Coach Collins to the Pioneer family and looks forward to the beginning of a new chapter for Women's Basketball at Maharishi International University.

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