Published on May 13, 2026 9:43 am
Last Updated on May 13, 2026 9:43 am
Nick Painter
BY MILLIE LANGE
Effingham High School has a new head boys basketball coach. Named to take over the reins of the program is Nick Painter.
A graduate of Flora High School in 2012 where he competed on the basketball and baseball teams for four years and ran track for three years, Painter then headed to Lincoln Trail College in 2014 where he played basketball and baseball for two years. His last stop was Marian University where he graduated in 2017 with a degree in business management. He played two years of baseball and basketball at Marian.
“My stepdad, John Winters, really helped shape my basketball mind as a player and that has helped me transition into coaching,” said Painter. “I first started coaching during the summer of 2021 for Indiana Elite Blaze and then followed that up as an assistant for Edgewood High School in Indiana.
“I moved back to the Effingham area in 2022 to begin a business in basketball skill training, which I ran for the last four years. When Coach Thompson took the head coaching position, I came on as a volunteer assistant the past two seasons. I owe a ton to Coach Thompson. I can’t express enough how much I appreciate his guidance and trust the past few years. It has allowed me to grow personally and as a coach.”
Family for Coach Painter include shis wife Astrid and newborn son Julian.
“My mother, stepdad, and one sister live in Flora. My dad, stepmom, and other sister live in Bloomfield, Indiana,” said Painter.
Coach Painter talked about his philosophy and style of play.
“I am very focused on a tough, disciplined style of basketball. Defense and rebounding will be a big priority for our team. Offensively, we will execute at a high level and look to run in transition when we can. This will be achieved through holding our kids accountable, especially in practice.
“I’m very excited about the future of our program, especially with the group we have coming back. This summer is going to play a big part in how we develop as a team and individually. I’m looking forward to getting into the gym to work with our kids.”
Nick Painter and his wife Astrid.