Girls basketball: Drew returns to lead Lakota East girls program

LIBERTY TWP. — Lakota East is turning to a familiar face to lead its girls basketball program.

The school announced Monday, May 4, that Nikki Drew will return as head coach of the Thunderhawks, pending Board of Education approval, replacing Dan Wallace, who recently accepted an assistant athletic director position at Mercy McAuley.

Drew said the opportunity to return to Lakota East was one she had long envisioned.

“To be honest, this would have been the only job I would have taken,” Drew said. “If I got back into coaching, it was going to be here. I’ve been part of this community for a long time, and it just made sense.”

Drew previously led the program from 2009 to 2013, compiling a 55-40 record over four seasons. Her 2010-11 team reached the regional finals during a 19-6 campaign, and she was named Butler County Coach of the Year in 2013.

She returns to a program that has maintained a strong foundation under Wallace, something Drew said will remain a priority moving forward.

“Dan and his staff did things the right way — very organized, very detail-oriented,” Drew said. “That’s where it starts. You build the foundation first. The winning will come if you stay true to that.”

Drew emphasized continuity, noting that her philosophy closely aligns with Wallace’s approach, which should help ease the transition for players.

“I think it’ll be a seamless step for the kids,” Drew said. “Basketball IQ, the structure — a lot of it is very similar. I’m just hoping to keep it going and maybe take it a little further.”

Her coaching background spans multiple levels, including time as a varsity coach and strength coach at Colerain, as well as AAU experience. She also served as director of basketball operations at Vanderbilt, where she handled program logistics, recruiting coordination and player development.

A former standout at Xavier, Drew played professionally overseas in Germany and France before transitioning into coaching and education. She currently serves as a sports medicine and exercise science instructor with Butler Tech at Lakota East and Cincinnati State.

Her approach centers on developing student-athletes beyond the game.

“My goal is to teach fundamentals while building teamwork, discipline, confidence and a strong work ethic,” Drew said. “It’s about creating a competitive but supportive environment.”

Drew also acknowledged the challenges of the Greater Miami Conference, one of the region’s most competitive leagues.

“It’s always been a tough league,” Drew said. “There’s a lot of talent and a lot of schools that have had their moments. It’s as competitive as anywhere in Cincinnati.”

Drew said she plans to retain parts of Wallace’s staff while adding new pieces.

Lakota East athletic director Jill Meiring said Drew’s experience and leadership made her the right choice to guide the program.