OLYMPIA, Wash. – Walt Nichols (So., M) from The Evergreen State College men's soccer team is the Evergreen Featured Athlete of the Week for April 15, 2026. Prior to arriving at Evergreen, Nichols played soccer and basketball at Columbia Falls High School in Montana.

He arrived at Evergreen prior to the 2023 season and redshirted that first year. Since the start of the 2024 season, Nichols has played in 21 games for the Geoducks. During the 2025 season, he competed in 12 games and made 11 starts.

Nichols' drive to succeed in academics and soccer began with a great relationship between himself and his brother. It is the starting point for Nichols' story.

"You first must know about the deep relationship I have with my brother," Nichols explained. "We grew up being two years apart in age, but I looked up to him in so many ways. My brother was truly one of the first positive male role models in my life, and because of that, I am so grateful.

"When I was 17 and him 19, he passed away unexpectedly, and the adversity of the event and others shaped the person I am today," Nichols added. "Without resistance in life, there is no personal growth. The event of my brother's passing away doesn't define me and make me a victim, but I am a victor for overcoming it."

When the time came to decide on which college to attend, Nichols chose Evergreen. Academics and athletics factored into his decision.

"As a student, Evergreen made the most sense for me coming out of high school due to the opportunity in business courses, as well as the largely growing market around the Puget Sound," Nichols stated. "Honestly, my decision to play soccer at Evergreen came before academics, yet both have made such an important impact thus far."

He found out about Evergreen from a former player who competed for the Geoducks in the early 2000's.

"Ever since my (campus) tour in the spring of 2023, I have loved it and haven't left."

Nichols is now a leader on the Evergreen men's soccer team. His development as a player and a leader began during his years at Columbia Falls High School.

"Three experiences stand out to me the most when I reflect back on my time as an athlete in Columbia Falls," Nichols said. "The first was being able to share the same field with my brother for the first time in my entire life. The second was developing deep, lifelong relationships with my teammates. Lastly, winning a state title in my senior year with so many of the guys who had sacrificed so much the previous three years alongside me meant everything to me."

As a soccer player, Nichols brings several important skills to the Geoducks. He also works hard to contribute more to the team.

"Some of my biggest strengths as a midfielder are my ability to win tackles and retain possession for my team," Nichols commented. "I also think another strength I have is playing simple when we have the ball. I recently was able to play with a teammate from my freshman year, and he noted my growth in speed of play."

He has taken on additional leadership duties during spring practice. He met with the coaches to develop a plan for his development as a leader.

"Some of my key roles this offseason have been around being a consistent and reliable leader. I remember working with the coaches early in the winter, recalling what some of the good leaders did when I was an underclassman, and always showing up was a huge part of what impacted me," Nichols said. "Showing up consistently translates to more than just soccer. I want to be someone who shows up for the people I love most and can depend on, because at the end of the day, soccer is merely a tool for development in all aspects of life."

Nichols appreciates his time spent with teammates on and off the field. They mutually benefit from their efforts. "Something I like is the level of sacrifice my teammates and I make each day, each month, and each season to show up and grow ourselves," he noted.

In the classroom, Nichols is focused on a degree in Business Entrepreneurship. After graduating, he plans to return to his home state of Montana and build a business.

Until then, he's committed to the Evergreen men's soccer team, his studies, and his family and friends. Occasionally, he finds time of free time away from soccer and academics.

"I'm a BIG disc golf player when I'm on campus, especially with friends on and off the team," Nichols said. "I also really enjoy spending time at Lake Kushman and other bodies of water."