Karen (Heath) Nichols
Karen Heath Nichols began her swimming career with the East Lansing Golden Serpents at the age of 10. Karen began swimming with the Spartan Swim Club, under Coach Richard Fetters at the age of 12. Karen won an individual event at the Michigan State High School Championship all four years while attending East Lansing High School and set several Varsity records including the 200 Medley Relay, 200 IM, 50 backstroke, 100 backstroke, 200 Free Relay and the 400 free relay. She was named to the Detroit News All State Team four years in a row. Karen set six high school state records while competing for East Lansing High School, which included the 200 Individual Medley, 400 free Relay, 200 Medley Relay and 50 backstroke. I broke the 200 Individual Medley record 3 years in a row.
Karen accepted a scholarship to Michigan State University and was the Big Ten Champion in the 200 backstroke in 1977. She was an All American for Michigan State University in 1977.
After retiring from swimming, Karen coached the Okemos High School Girls Swimming Team to a State Championship.
Karen earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Packaging from Michigan State University and is currently the Director of Packaging at Heartland Food Products Group in Carmel, IN. Karen resides in Carmel, IN with her husband Doug Nichols. Karen has two daughters, Lindsay Dieckman and Casey Fetters, step-son Zach Nichols and a granddaughter Kendall Marie Dieckman.
Karen accepted a scholarship to Michigan State University and was the Big Ten Champion in the 200 backstroke in 1977. She was an All American for Michigan State University in 1977.
After retiring from swimming, Karen coached the Okemos High School Girls Swimming Team to a State Championship.
Karen earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Packaging from Michigan State University and is currently the Director of Packaging at Heartland Food Products Group in Carmel, IN. Karen resides in Carmel, IN with her husband Doug Nichols. Karen has two daughters, Lindsay Dieckman and Casey Fetters, step-son Zach Nichols and a granddaughter Kendall Marie Dieckman.
