A Nichols College lacrosse player runs through a high-five tunnel formed by her teammates during pre-game introductions on the field

Athletics

at Nichols College

At Nichols College in Dudley, MA, athletics isn't just a program—it's part of who we are.

Competition drives us to be our best selves, nurtures our strengths as teammates and promotes grit in the face of adversity. These life skills are vital to your success as a business leader and a high-performing employee who embraces teamwork and accountability.

Our Bison compete in 24 NCAA Division III varsity sports as a member of the highly competitive Conference of New England. Our teams regularly win conference titles and earn bids to NCAA tournaments, while competing against the nation’s top D-III programs. You’ll find our student-athletes in the classroom, in leadership roles across campus and pursuing unique opportunities from podcasts to internships to student government.

Varsity Sports Programs

Nichols offers competitive opportunities across three athletic seasons, plus year-round competition in our strong ESports program. With 24 varsity sports, you'll find a team that matches your talents and interests.

A group of Nichols College women's tennis players in white "Conference of New England Champion" shirts holding a large vinyl "2025 Women's Tennis Champion" banner and a trophy.
A Nichols College women's ice hockey player in a white, green, and black "Bison" jersey and full gear, poised with her stick on the ice during a game.
A dynamic action shot of a football game where a quarterback in a green Nichols College jersey runs with the ball while being pursued by a defender in a white jersey.

CoEd Varsity Teams


Club Teams


  • Dance
  • Fishing
  • Golf
  • Ice Hockey
  • Men's Lacrosse
  • Men's Rugby
  • Ski and Snowboard

Intramural and Recreational Sports


  • Basketball
  • Box Lacrosse
  • ESports
  • Flag Football
  • Kickball
  • Lawn Games
  • Soccer (indoor)
  • Soccer (outdoor)
  • Softball
  • Wiffleball

Athletic Facilities at Nichols College

An aerial view of Vendetti Field at Nichols College at sunrise with rolling New England Hills in the background

Train and compete at Nichols in facilities designed to help you reach your full potential.

Our campus features both indoor and outdoor venues that support your athletic development while providing spectators with an exciting game-day experience.

Become a Nichols Bison

If you’re a high school athlete considering your college options, Nichols offers a combination of competitive NCAA Division III athletics and quality education that prepares you for long-term success. Our coaches are actively recruiting talented student-athletes who want to compete at a high level while earning a respected degree.

The Nichols College mascot, a brown bison wearing a black "Nichols College" tank top, stands on an athletic field holding a green pom-pom in one hand and a white pom-pom in the other.

What Our Coaches Value

Our coaches recruit students who take their education seriously and understand that success in the classroom enables success everywhere else. You don’t need a perfect GPA, but you do need to demonstrate that you’re prepared for college-level academics and committed to meeting the challenge.

Leadership potential matters too. We’re looking for students who will represent Nichols with integrity, serve as team captains, and become the kind of alumni who stay connected to the program long after graduation. If you see yourself as someone who leads by example and brings out the best in others, you’ll find a home at Nichols.

Prospective Student-Athletes

Schedule a campus visit to see our facilities, meet current student-athletes and experience the Nichols community firsthand. Coaches can arrange meetings during your visit to discuss their programs, expectations and how you might contribute.

Walking the campus, sitting in on a class and watching a practice or competition gives you genuine insight into what being a Bison would mean for you.

Support Nichols Athletics

Athletics at Nichols thrives because of support from alumni, families and community members who believe in the value of competitive college sports. Whether you're a prospective supporter or a longtime fan, there are meaningful ways to contribute to the continued success of Bison athletics.

Bison Club

The Bison Club is our annual giving program supporting all 24 varsity sports programs. Contributions fund equipment upgrades, team travel, facility improvements and other needs that directly impact the student-athlete experience. Every gift matters, from annual contributions that support operational needs to major gifts that transform programs and facilities.

Attend a Game

Home athletic events are open to the public year-round, providing opportunities to experience the excitement of Nichols athletics firsthand. From football Saturdays at Vendetti Field to basketball games in the Recreation and Athletic Center, there’s always an event worth attending.