2005 Season: Howell has improved her attacking numbers once again after posting a .240 hitting percentage and 252 kills with an average of 2.93 per game. Howell recorded 261 digs, averaging 3.03 per game along with 24 service aces. Howell was second on the team in total kills and kills per game. She recorded "double-doubles" in nine matches her junior year and was named Division I Independent Offensive Player of the Week for the week of Sept. 27 and was named to the All-Independent Second Team.

2004 Season: Howell recorded 223 kills (1.94 per game) in her sophomore campaign. She also had 19 service aces, 276 digs (2.4 per game), 4 block solos, 19 block assists, and 255.5 points. Howell was also named to the IPFW All-Tournament Team.

2003 Season: "The Hammer" made an instant impact in 2003 with 220 kills (2.34 p/g), 116 digs (1.23 p/g). Howell also banged out 41 service aces, and was named to the Independent All-Freshmen Team.

Prep: Leader of two Indiana 3A State runner-up teams. Howell was a member of the Indiana All Star team her junior and senior seasons. Named to the All-SAC team three years. In her junior and senior seasons, Howell was selected to the All-State team. She was the Prep Sports Volleyball Player of the Year her senior year. Howell currently holds the Indiana State record for most aces in a season with 140.

Personal: Born June 8, 1985. Nicole is the daughter of Curt Howell and Lori Holmes. She has one brother, Josh. She is majoring in Elementary Education.