After more than four decades of faithful service to Faith Baptist Bible College, Coach Lanny Nihart is stepping away from his role as head women’s volleyball coach at the conclusion of the 2026 season.
It is a transition that brings an extraordinary coaching career to a close—but Coach Nihart’s influence will remain evident in the program and in the lives of the women he has coached.
Since joining Faith’s athletic staff in 1985, Coach Nihart has become one of the most accomplished coaches in the history of Faith Athletics. He has recorded over 750 volleyball victories, including thirteen seasons with 20 or more wins. His teams have captured eight regional championships, made 13 appearances in the NCCAA National Tournament, and reached the Final Four three times. He has coached 14 All-American and multiple All-Region players, earned several Regional Coach of the Year honors, and was named NCCAA National Coach of the Year in 2000.
For the first 18 seasons of his career, Coach Nihart led both the women’s basketball and volleyball programs. He accumulated 216 basketball victories—including seven seasons with at least 15 wins—before focusing exclusively on volleyball in 2004. Beyond Faith, he served the NCCAA as both Regional and National Chair for women’s volleyball.
Those accomplishments tell only part of his story.
For the athletes who played for Coach Nihart, practices and competition were never solely about wins. He challenged his players to work hard, remain disciplined, and remember whom they ultimately represented.
Kathleen Daley remembers him as “very encouraging, compassionate, and understanding,” while always pushing his players to give their best.
“Coach continually encouraged us to remember who we were representing as we played—not just Faith, but most importantly, Christ,” she said.
His lessons often extended beyond the court. Kathleen recalls Coach Nihart leading a devotional from Nehemiah before a game and applying principles from the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls to the challenge his players were about to face.
Coach Nihart also made service and discipleship central to his program. He intentionally created opportunities for his teams to serve churches and organizations throughout the Ankeny community, often serving alongside his players.
That commitment remained steady even during difficult seasons. Holly Cabello remembers arriving as a freshman in 2001 after many experienced players had graduated. Although the young team struggled, Coach Nihart never gave up on them. A few years later, they earned their way back to the national tournament.
“I’m grateful for a coach who was patient with us,” Holly said. “But more than anything, I’m grateful for how much Coach Lanny cared about us. Our team truly felt like a family.”
Many former players remember that family atmosphere most clearly during road trips filled with laughter, team songs, unusual stops, and meaningful conversations. Niki Olson remembers sitting at the front of the vehicle during late-night drives to help Coach Nihart stay awake. Those miles provided opportunities for “some of the best, most genuine conversations.”
Jen Burman also remembers the remarkable way he balanced coaching, full-time work, family, church ministry, and personal investment in his players.
“He was all about discipleship and being like Christ on and off the court,” Jen shared. “He led by example with a true servant’s heart.”
Coach Nihart’s career can be measured in victories, championships, tournament appearances, and individual honors. His greatest legacy, however, is found in generations of women who experienced his patience, encouragement, discipline, and Christlike care. Many have gone on to coach at the high school and collegiate levels, carrying his influence into the lives of new generations of athletes.
During a ceremony honoring Coach Nihart on Friday, October 23, Dr. Jim Tillotson announced that Faith’s volleyball court had officially been named in his honor. Coach Nihart’s signature now appears along the sideline near the home bench, serving as a lasting tribute to his decades of faithful service and the influence he has had on generations of Faith athletes
Even as he steps away from the sideline, the lessons he taught and the lives he faithfully influenced will continue far beyond the court.
