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Jerry Nuesell enters his second season as head cross
country coach at Peace College. He began service to the college in
September 2008 as the associate dean for advising and
retention.
Nuesell has participated in long-distance running for over 20
years, having completed 12 marathons and numerous half-marathons,
as well as 5k and 10k races.
He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from New York
University, a Master of Science in Education degree in Educational
Psychology from Fordham University, and a Doctor of Philosophy
degree in Educational Psychology from the City University of New
York. In completing his doctoral studies, Nuesell wrote extensively
on the phenomenon of choking under pressure in athletic
competition.
While rigorous physical preparation is at the core of his training
philosophy, the importance of mental preparation and toughness is
also greatly emphasized.
Michelle Simonson continues with the Pacer staff in her third year this fall as the assistant basketball coach and adds assistant cross country coach to her duties as well. Simonson graduated from Peace College in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and earned an associate's degree in 2004. She currently serves on the biological assessment unit with the state's division of water quality.
While at Peace, Simonson earned numerous honors within both the academic and athletic communities. She was a member of the college basketball team for four years, serving as captain her senior year. At the close of her collegiate career, Simonson earned the team's defensive award as well as the athletic department's Frazier Cup for excellence as a student-athlete. She earned the school's Scholar Athlete Award as well for earning the highest grade point average among all student-athletes.
Simonson reached academic excellence as well while at Peace. She was named the 2006 Outstanding Graduate and received that year's Outstanding Senior Award. Simonson served as an assistant to the department of biology for two years, including her work as a research assistant during her senior year. She served as a resident assistant for three years and was named resident assistant of the year as a sophomore. Simonson served on numerous committees and organizations during her time with peace.
A native of West Palm Beach, Florida, Simonson currently resides in Raleigh. She enjoys running, backpacking, traveling, playing the guitar, and reconnecting with her Peace family.
