Nikola Katic is in his first season as a student assistant coach after a two-year stint as a defender for the Leathernecks and one season of professional soccer with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the United Soccer League.

In his first season, 2009, Katic's main responsiblity was to help coach the team's defenders. Western's defense was stellar all season, allowing just three goals over the team's final six matches and holding six opponents scoreless throughout the season. Senior defender Diego Zamudio was named as an all-Summit League first team selection at the conclusion of the season.

Katic signed with Pittsburgh after his senior season at Western and appeared in two matches for the team in 2009. He is the fourth player in Leatherneck history to sign a professional contract.

In 2008, Katic helped lead Western to a 12-5-3 overall record and a 3-2-1 Summit League record as the team finished second in the league's regular-seaon standings. Katic recorded three assists on the season and was one of the anchors of a defense that allowed just 14 goals, the best mark in school history. In addition to helping the team achieve various records, Katic earned individual accolades by being named to the All-Summit League second team.

In 2007, Katic was named as the team's Newcomer of the Year after starting in 14 of the 19 games he played and recording three points on one goal and an assist. He was also selected to the Comfot Inn/Diadora All-Tournament team.

Prior to his career at Western Illinois, Katic spent two seasons at Illinois Central College where he was named to the NJCAA All-American team as a sophomore in 2007 while leading his team to a top three national ranking.

In his freshman season of 2006, Katic was named to the NJCAA All-Region team.

Katic is a native of Mikarska, Croatia and is the older brother of current Leatherneck Antonio Katic.