Vargas named interim head coach for NIC women’s basketball

North Idaho College has named Louis Vargas as interim head coach of its women's basketball program.

Vargas served as an assistant coach for the NIC women's basketball team since 2022. Prior to that role, he was a volunteer assistant coach for the NIC men's basketball program from 2020 to 2022.

"I'm grateful to North Idaho College Athletic Director Shawn Noel for entrusting me to lead this program during this transition," Vargas said. "My focal point is to serve our student-athletes, keep our focus on the present moment, and finish this school year competing in the classroom, on the court and in the community."

NIC Athletic Director Shawn Noel said he's excited to see the program under the direction of Vargas.

"Louis Vargas is a natural fit to lead our women's basketball program in this role and has been an integral part of our program for a number of years, and that continuity is incredibly valuable during a time of transition," Noel said. "He brings a positive energy and attitude every day, and he has the ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of college athletics. Most importantly, he has built strong, meaningful relationships with our student-athletes, which is at the core of everything we do. We're confident in his leadership and excited for him to guide our program forward."

Vargas has a degree in business management from Whitworth University. He was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, and has been married to his wife, Jenn Vargas, for 25 years. They have three adult children Kea, Hokulea and Kainalu.

Vargas replaces former head coach Nate Covill, who resigned from his position after four seasons at NIC.

"Nate Covill made a lasting impact on our women's basketball program and brought a genuine commitment to developing young women both on and off the court," Noel said. "He helped guide our program through the transition from the Northwest Athletic Conference to the National Junior College Athletic Association, a process that required great adaptability, and Nate handled it with poise while keeping the focus on the student-athlete experience. I appreciate everything he has done for North Idaho College and wish him the very best moving forward."