Having spent four years across the Atlantic at the University of West Alabama, Gibson returned to the UK and began studying at Durham University last year.
A regular in the BUCS team, Gibson made her mark on the WSL side in 2016 as she made 11 appearances throughout the season.
She finished the seasons strongly too – netting twice away at Watford before playing a key role in the opening goal against Millwall on the final day of the season.
Comfortable in defence or midfield, Durham say Gibson’s versatility will be key next seaosn.
Commenting on her decision to stay with the Wildcats, Gibson said: “I’m delighted to be staying with the club to build on what a great season we had last year.
“The Spring Series is coming at a really good time for us to push on from that so hopefully we can get ready to have another great season again.
“Personally, towards the end of the season I got more time to show what I could do and I’m looking forward to hopefully building on that.”
Manager Lee Sanders added: “I’m really pleased Nicola will be with us for 2017.
“She’s another player who has come through our successful partnership with the University of Durham and is doing a Masters Degree after playing in America for the previous four years.
“She’s a hugely committed player on the field with a fantastic attitude.
“She came on massively in the second part of last season and I’m expecting her to improve even more in 2017.”
