Nikki McLellan, Head Coach
Years at Knox: 2007 to present

Education
B.A., 2006, Sports Management, Juniata College

Experience
Nikki McLellan was named the head women's soccer coach at Knox College on April 9, 2007. She joined the Prairie Fire after serving as an assistant coach at Grinnell College in 2006. McLellan also serves as the Director of the E. & L. Andrew Fitness Center and Intramural Director at Knox.

In her one season with the Grinnell women's soccer program, McLellan assisted in preparing practice plans, scouted opponents and helped in recruiting among her many responsibilities. In 2006, the Pioneers finished 15-3-1 overall, were a perfect 9-0 in Midwest Conference play, won the MWC conference tournament, and advanced to the NCAA Division III National Tournament. McLellan also served as the Director of Intramural and Club Sports, and was the staff advisor for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) at Grinnell.

During her highly-successful playing career at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, McLellan was selected to the Middle Atlantic All-Conference Team four times. She holds single-season and career school records for goals (12 in a season, 32 in her career), assists (11 season, 25 career) and points (29 season, 89 career). She was also named the Bargerstock Award winner as the Female Athlete of the Year in 2005-06.

McLellan earned her degree in Sports Management from Juniata College in 2006. She is pursuing her master's degree in Sports Leadership from Duquesne University. McLellan also received her NSCAA National Diploma in the summer of 2007. 

Contact Information
309-341-7532
nmclella@knox.edu

Rob Purlee, Assistant Coach
Years at Knox: 2006 to present

Education
M.S., 2006, Western Illinois University
B.A., 2004, Monmouth College

Experience
Rob Purlee joined the Prairie Fire women's soccer coaching staff in the spring of 2007. He has also served as the assistant men's basketball coach since the 2006-07 season. Purlee arrived at Knox after spending two seasons as an assistant football and basketball coach at Monmouth College.

With the Monmouth basketball team, Purlee implemented a strength and conditioning program and was responsible for scouting the opposition. He coached the perimeter players and handled some on-floor coaching duties. Purlee was the quarterbacks coach for the Fighting Scots football program, and coached the top-ranked passer in NCAA Division III in 2005. Monmouth won the 2005 Midwest Conference championship.

A 2004 Monmouth graduate, Purlee was a four-year starting quarterback and two-time team captain of the Fighting Scots football team. He was also a three-year starter and senior captain with the basketball team. Purlee earned his M.S. in sport management from Western Illinois University in 2006.

Contact Information
309-341-7193
jpurlee@knox.edu