Nicholas Colella serves as the chief of staff and brings a wealth of experience from his extensive tenure in collegiate sports. In his role as chief of staff, Colella oversees the day-to-day operations of intercollegiate athletics, fosters critical internal and external relationships and works to bridge strategic partnerships aligned with Dr. Patrick Kraft’s vision for the future.
A former Nittany Lion basketball player (2009-13) and member of Penn State’s 2011 NCAA Tournament team, the left-hander worked his way into a significant role starting his junior and senior campaign while being named captain in the 2012-13 season.
Colella’s served in various roles within the Penn State basketball program, including graduate assistant, director of video and recruiting, and chief of staff. He was instrumental in advancing the program from overseeing video operations to supporting recruitment and team logistics. Colella helped develop and manage six student-athletes who eventually went on to have a career in the NBA. During his time with the men’s basketball program, he played a critical role in fundraising more than $5.5 million dollars for the improvements to the film room, locker room and weight room at the Bryce Jordan Center. Colella has also held varies leadership roles in local charities such as Coaches vs. Cancer, Team Ream, THON and Toys for Tots.
Colella holds two degrees from Penn State with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and a master’s in educational leadership. He and his wife, Aly, who is also a Penn State graduate, have one son, Grayson.