Amber Nichols, the former Spider basketball guard, is on a streak of impressive wins.

Nichols, a 2014 grad who runs the Washington Wizards’ NBA G League affiliate, the Capital City Go-Go, was recently named to Sports Illustrated’s list of 100 Influential Black Women in Sports.

Known for her speed on the court, she’s moved up through the NBA ranks quickly as well despite daunting challenges. Nichols, 29, is only the second female general manager in the league’s history.

“Personally, I go into every situation assuming people don’t know what I’m talking about or doing,” she told SI. “It just helps motivate me, keeps me very humble and it also just makes sure that I’m working twice as hard for that credibility.”

Her NBA career began in 2015 with an entry-level ticket sales job for the Sacramento Kings. She gained experience through internships and other positions around the league. In 2019, she became the director of basketball operations for the Go-Go, and was named GM just a year later.

She’s not done yet. From her days starting out in Sacramento, she’s told her colleagues she’ll run an NBA team one day.

“My career is only beginning,” Nichols said. “I’m blessed and honored to be recognized on SI’s list,” she said.  “The sky's the limit, and I’m only just getting started.”