Benjamin Nelson joined the Nicholls women’s soccer staff in 2026 following a successful coaching tenure at Central Wyoming College, where he worked with both the men’s and women’s programs before becoming head coach of the women’s team.
As head coach of the CWC women’s program during the 2025-26 season, Nelson guided the Rustlers to a 9-6 overall record and a 7-3 Region IX record, both program bests, while earning 2025-26 NJCAA Region IX Coach of the Year honors. Under his leadership, CWC earned its first-ever postseason berth, first postseason victory and first appearance in the Region IX semifinals. The Rustlers also earned the highest postseason seed in program history at No. 4.
CWC set numerous program records during the 2025-26 season, including the most goals scored in Region IX play with 24 and the fewest goals allowed with 10. The team also recorded the program’s first shutout victory, mercy-rule victory and three-game winning streak.
During his one season as the women’s head coach, Nelson produced six Region IX All-Region selections, including the program’s first two First Team selections and the program’s first two All-Tournament Team selections.
Across his coaching tenure at CWC, Nelson helped produce 13 Region IX All-Region selections, including two First Team, five Second Team and six Honorable Mention selections. He also helped produce 12 Academic All-Region selections, including seven First Team, two Second Team and three Third Team honorees.
Nelson also helped 17 women’s soccer student-athletes advance to four-year institutions, including two who continued their careers at NCAA Division I programs and another who has verbally committed to an NCAA Division I program.
Nelson’s connection to Central Wyoming College soccer spans his playing and coaching career. As a student-athlete and team captain, he helped the CWC men’s soccer program make its first-ever postseason tournament appearance. As an assistant coach, he helped the men’s program return to the postseason before leading the women’s program to its first-ever postseason appearance as head coach.
Nelson began his collegiate coaching career at CWC in 2024 as an assistant coach before serving as interim head coach for both the men’s and women’s programs. His responsibilities included recruiting, player development, training, game preparation, program operations and staff development.
At Nicholls, Nelson is involved in recruiting, player development, training, defensive organization, game preparation and team culture. His recruiting responsibilities include identifying and evaluating student-athletes from across the country and internationally.
Nelson earned his bachelor’s degree in 2025 and is currently pursuing his master’s degree while serving on the Nicholls women’s soccer staff.
