{{Short description|Intercollegiate sports teams of Nicholls State University}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2017}} {{Infobox college athletics | name = Nicholls Colonels | logo = Nicholls State Colonels logo.svg | logo_width = 200 | university = Nicholls State University | association = NCAA | conference = Southland Conference | division = Division I (FCS) | director = Jonathan Terrell | location = Thibodaux, Louisiana | teams = 15 | stadium = Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium | basketballarena = Stopher Gymnasium | baseballfield = Ben Meyer Diamond at Ray E. Didier Field | softballstadium = Swanner Field at Geo Surfaces Park | soccerstadium = Thibodaux Regional Sports Complex | arena2 = LaTour Golf Club<br>Nicholls Farm | mascot = Colonel Tillou | nickname = Colonels | fightsong = Nicholls State Colonels Fight Song | pageurl = https://geauxcolonels.com/ | altlogo = }}
The '''Nicholls Colonels''' are the 15 teams representing Nicholls State University, a university in Louisiana, in intercollegiate athletics.<ref name="nsusports">{{cite web|title=Nicholls Colonels: Nicholls State University Athletics|publisher=geauxcolonels.com|url=http://www.geauxcolonels.com/|access-date=2012-06-05}}</ref> The Colonels compete in the NCAA Division I and the Colonels football team competes in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The Colonels sports teams are members of the Southland Conference.<ref name="nsusports"/>
==Nickname== The Nicholls State University official team nickname is the "Colonels".<ref name="Colonels">{{cite web|url=https://www.nicholls.edu/about/fast-facts/|title=About Nicholls: Fast Facts|publisher=nicholls.edu|access-date=2018-07-10}}</ref> The nickname was chosen because the university was once a ROTC dominated school and the highest rank in ROTC is a Colonel.<ref name="Colonels"/>
==History==
===Conference affiliations=== {| class= "wikitable"; style= "text-align:center" {{CollegePrimaryHeader|team=Nicholls State Colonels|Years|Conference|Classification}} |- | 1958–1965 | Independent | NCAA College Division |- | 1965–1971 | Gulf States Conference | NCAA College Division |- | 1971–1973 | Gulf South Conference | NCAA College Division |- | 1973–1979 | Gulf South Conference | NCAA Division II |- | 1979–1980 | Independent | NCAA Division II |- | 1980–1984<br>*(1982–1984) | Independent<br>(Trans America Athletic Conference) | NCAA Division I |- | 1984–1987 | Gulf Star Conference | NCAA Division I |- | 1987–1991 | Independent | NCAA Division I |- | 1991–present | Southland Conference | NCAA Division I |} <nowiki>*</nowiki> From 1982–84, Nicholls (then athletically branded as "Nicholls State") was a provisional member of the Trans America Athletic Conference (TAAC). :*Men's sports – Only baseball played TAAC conference games<ref>{{cite web|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/nicholls.sidearmsports.com/documents/2010/10/27/0809MBBMediaGuide.pdf|title=2008–09 Nicholls State men's basketball media guide|publisher=nicholls.sidearmsports.com|access-date=May 30, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/nicholls-state/|title=Nicholls State Colonels Men's Basketball School History|publisher=sports-reference.com|access-date=May 30, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://geauxcolonels.com/documents/2013/1/19/2013_Info_Guide.pdf|title=2013 Nicholls State baseball media guide|publisher=geauxcolonels.com|access-date=May 30, 2019}}</ref>
==Sports sponsored== {| class="wikitable" style=" " |- {{CollegePrimaryHeader|team=Nicholls Colonels|Men's sports|Women's sports}} |- | Baseball || Basketball |- | Basketball || Beach volleyball |- | Cross country || Cross country |- | Football || Soccer |- | Golf || Softball |- | Tennis || Tennis |- | || Track and field<sup>†</sup> |- | || Volleyball |- | colspan="2" style="{{NCAA secondary color cell|Nicholls Colonels}}" | {{small|† – Track and field includes both indoor and outdoor.}} |}
===Baseball=== {{main|Nicholls Colonels baseball}} The team is the varsity intercollegiate baseball team of Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, United States. The team is a member of the Southland Conference, which is part of the NCAA Division I.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://geauxcolonels.com/documents/2013/1/19/2013_Info_Guide.pdf |title=Table of Contents ? Quick Facts : 2013 Schedule |publisher=Geauxcolonels.com |access-date=August 28, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20110715/SPORTS17/110719589 |title=Didier shaped Nicholls athletics, many lives |publisher=Webcitations.org |access-date=August 28, 2015 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140113140703/http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20110715/SPORTS17/110719589 |archive-date=January 13, 2014 }}</ref> Nicholls' first baseball team was fielded in 1960. The team plays its home games at 2,100-seat Ben Meyer Diamond at Ray E. Didier Field and are coached by Brent Haring.
===Men's basketball=== {{main|Nicholls Colonels men's basketball}} The team represents Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, United States. The school's team currently competes in the Southland Conference, which is part of the NCAA Division I.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://geauxcolonels.com/documents/2012/11/5/2012-13_MBB_Info_Guide.pdf |title=2012-2013 Nicholls Colonels Media Guide |publisher=Geauxcolonels.com |access-date=August 28, 2015}}</ref> Nicholls' first men's basketball team was fielded during the 1958–59 season. The team plays its home games at 3,800-seat Stopher Gymnasium and are coached by Tevon Saddler.
===Women's basketball=== {{main|Nicholls Colonels women's basketball}} The team represents Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, United States. The school's team currently competes in the Southland Conference, which is part of the NCAA Division I.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.geauxcolonels.com/index.aspx?tab=womensbasketball&path=wbball|title=The Official Site of Nicholls State University Athletics|work=geauxcolonels.com}}</ref> Nicholls' first women's basketball team was fielded during the 1974–75 season. The team plays its home games at 3,800-seat Stopher Gymnasium and are coached by Justin Payne.
===Women's beach volleyball=== The team represents Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://geauxcolonels.com/news/2019/2/28/womens-beach-volleyball-colonel-beach-volleyball-makes-program-debut-this-weekend.aspx|title=Colonel Beach Volleyball makes program debut this weekend|date=February 28, 2019 |publisher=geauxcolonels.com|access-date=June 14, 2019}}</ref> Nicholls launched its beach volleyball program in the 2019 season (2018–19 school year), and played its first season as an independent. The Colonels now compete in the Southland Conference, which added beach volleyball as an official conference sport for the 2020 season.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.southland.org/news/2019/8/14/southland-conference-adds-beach-volleyball-to-championship-sports-offerings.aspx |title=Southland Conference Adds Beach Volleyball to Championship Sports Offerings |publisher=Southland Conference |date=August 14, 2019 |access-date=September 1, 2019}}</ref> The team plays its home matches at the Thibodaux Regional Sports Complex and the team is coached by Jonea Rima.<ref name="Geauxcolonels.com">{{cite web |url=https://geauxcolonels.com/sports/womens-beach-volleyball/roster/coaches/jonea-rima/1055|title=Head Volleyball and Beach Volleyball Coach|publisher=Geauxcolonels.com|access-date=April 15, 2024}}</ref>
===Cross country=== {{main|Nicholls Colonels cross country}} The program represents Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, United States. The program includes separate men's and women's cross country teams, both of which compete in the Southland Conference, which is part of the NCAA Division I.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.geauxcolonels.com/index.aspx?tab=menscrosscountry&path=mcross|title=The Official Site of Nicholls State University Athletics|work=geauxcolonels.com}}</ref> The teams host home meets at Nicholls Farm and are coached by Stefanie Slekis.<ref name="Head Cross Country and Track and Fi">{{cite web |url=http://geauxcolonels.com/coaches.aspx?rc=608&path=wtrack|title=Head Cross Country and Track and Field Coach|publisher=Geauxcolonels.com|access-date=November 17, 2017}}</ref>
===Football=== {{main|Nicholls Colonels football}} The program is the intercollegiate American football team for Nicholls State University located in Thibodaux, Louisiana, United States. The team competes in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and are members of the Southland Conference. Nicholls' first football team was fielded in 1972. The team plays its home games at the 10,500 seat Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium in Thibodaux, Louisiana. The Colonels are coached by Tommy Rybacki.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/11915454/tim-rebowe-named-new-head-football-coach-nicholls-state-colonels|title=Tim Rebowe named Colonels coach|work=ESPN|date=November 21, 2014|access-date=November 21, 2014}}</ref>
===Men's golf=== The team represents Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, United States. The school's team currently competes in the Southland Conference, which is part of the NCAA Division I.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.geauxcolonels.com/archives.aspx?path=mgolf |title=Nicholls State University Athletics - Story Archives |publisher=Geauxcolonels.com |access-date=August 24, 2013}}</ref> The team plays their home tournaments at the LaTour Golf Club in Mathews, Louisiana<ref name="Nicholls Golf Course">{{cite web|url=https://geauxcolonels.com/facilities/?id=10|title=LaTour Golf Club|publisher=geauxcolonels.com|access-date=May 31, 2019}}</ref> and are currently led by head coach James Schilling.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.geauxcolonels.com/coaches.aspx?rc=278&path=mgolf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304193111/http://www.geauxcolonels.com/coaches.aspx?rc=278&path=mgolf |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |title=Nicholls State University Athletics - 2013-14 Men's Golf Coaching Staff |publisher=Geauxcolonels.com |access-date=August 24, 2013}}</ref>
===Women's soccer=== {{main|Nicholls Colonels women's soccer}} The women's team represents Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, United States. The school's team currently competes in the Southland Conference, which is part of the NCAA Division I.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.geauxcolonels.com/documents/2013/7/30/2013_Nicholls_Soccer_Quick_Facts.pdf |title=2013 Nicholls Women's Soccer Quick Facts |publisher=Geauxcolonels.com |access-date=August 28, 2015}}</ref> Nicholls' first soccer team was fielded in 1998. The team played its home games at the 1,000-seat Nicholls Soccer Complex through the 2021 season. The Colonels moved to the multi-purpose field at the Thibodaux Regional Sports Complex in 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=Thibodaux Regional Health System and Nicholls State University Expand Partnership to Provide Student-Athletes with State-of-the-Art Sports Facilities |url=https://geauxcolonels.com/news/2022/9/7/general-thibodaux-regional-health-system-and-nicholls-state-university-expand-partnership-to-provide-student-athletes-with-state-of-the-art-sports-facilities.aspx |publisher=Nicholls State University |access-date=September 14, 2022 |date=September 7, 2022}}</ref> The team is coached by Kristy Helmers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Podeyn resigns as Nicholls Women's Soccer head coach |url=https://geauxcolonels.com/news/2024/3/19/podeyn-resigns-as-nicholls-womens-soccer-head-coach.aspx |website=Nicholls Athletics |date=March 19, 2024 |access-date=15 April 2024}}</ref>
===Softball=== {{main|Nicholls Colonels softball}} The softball team participates in the Southland Conference. Nicholls first softball team was fielded in 1981. The team plays its home games at 500-seat Swanner Field at Geo Surfaces Park and are coached by Ron Frost.
===Tennis=== Men's and Women's tennis currently competes in the Southland Conference, which is part of the NCAA Division I. Both men's and women's teams play their home matches at the Thibodaux Regional Sports Complex starting in 2022 after previously playing at the Colonel Tennis Complex since 2008. The teams are coached by Greg Harkins.
===Women's track and field=== {{main|Nicholls Colonels women's track and field}} The women's track and field program includes women's indoor and outdoor track and field teams, both of which compete in the Southland Conference, which is part of the NCAA Division I.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://geauxcolonels.com/index.aspx?path=wtrack|title=The Official Site of Nicholls State University Athletics|work=geauxcolonels.com}}</ref> The teams use the multi-purpose field and track facility at the Thibodaux Regional Sports Complex and are coached by Stefanie Slekis.<ref name="Head Cross Country and Track and Fi"/>
===Women's volleyball=== {{main|Nicholls Colonels women's volleyball}} The school's team currently competes in the Southland Conference, which is part of the NCAA Division I.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.geauxcolonels.com/documents/2013/7/30/2013_Nicholls_Volleyball_Quick_Facts.pdf |title=2012 Nicholls Volleyball Quick Facts |publisher=Geauxcolonels.com |access-date=August 28, 2015}}</ref> Nicholls' first volleyball team was fielded in 1975. The team plays its home games at 3,800-seat Stopher Gymnasium and are coached by Jonea Rima.
==Former varsity sports== *Women's golf — Dropped in 2009 due to budget constraints<ref name="Former sports">{{cite web|url=https://www.houmatoday.com/news/20090515/nicholls-state-dropping-womens-golf|title=Nicholls State dropping women's golf|publisher=houmatoday.com|access-date=May 31, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailycomet.com/article/DA/20150220/Sports/608079126/DC/|title=Nicholls hosting men's golf tournament at The Atchafalaya at Idlewild|publisher=dailycomet.com|access-date=2019-05-31}}</ref> *Men's track and field (indoor and outdoor) — Dropped in 2004 and replaced by men's tennis<ref name="Former sports"/>
==Championships==
=== Conference championships === {| class="wikitable"; style= " " ! width= px style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Nicholls Colonels|border=1|color= white }}"| Sport ! width= px style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Nicholls Colonels|border=1|color= white }}"| Regular season titles ! width= px style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Nicholls Colonels|border=1|color= white }}"| Tournament titles |- | Baseball || 1974, 1976, 1985, 2023 || 1984, 1998, 2023, 2024 |- | Men's basketball || 1976, 1979, 1995, 1998, 2018, 2021 || 1995, 1998 |- | Women's basketball || – || 2018 |- | Football{{refn|Football achievements also include playoff appearances in 1986, 1996, 2005, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023|group=n|name=footapp}} || 1975, 1984, 2005, 2018, 2019, 2023 || – |- | Softball || 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2018 || 1996, 1997 |}
;Notes {{reflist|group=n}}
== Athletic facilities == The following is a list of the athletic facilities for the Nicholls Colonels. It includes Nicholls' outdoor stadiums, indoor arenas, golf courses, running courses, and training and practice facilities.
=== Current venues === *'''Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium'''<br>Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium is a 10,500-seat multi-purpose stadium in Thibodaux, Louisiana.<ref name="Media Guide">{{cite web| title=Nicholls State Colonels football media guide|publisher=Nicholls State University Athletics|url=http://geauxcolonels.com/documents/2012/8/13/2012%20Nicholls%20Football%20Media%20Guide.pdf?id=446|access-date=October 17, 2013}}</ref> It is home to the Nicholls Colonels football team of the Southland Conference in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The stadium is named in honor of former state representative John L. Guidry who was instrumental in the establishment of Francis T. Nicholls Junior College. The playing surface is named Manning Field after the Manning family (Peyton, Eli, Cooper and Archie) because the family holds the annual Manning Passing Academy football camp at the facility.<ref>{{cite web| title=Football field's namesake brings academy to campus|publisher=The Nicholls Worth|url=http://thenichollsworth.com/102373/uncategorized/football-fields-namesake-brings-academy-to-campus/|access-date=December 27, 2014}}</ref> In 2021, Nicholls State University opened the Boucvalt Family Athletic Complex located at the south end-zone of John L. Guidry Stadium featuring upgraded locker and training rooms, field-level coach offices, and a 110-seat meeting room.<ref name="Boucvaly Complex">{{cite web|url=https://www.dailycomet.com/story/sports/2021/08/12/nicholls-state-university-opens-new-boucvault-family-athletic-complex/8094389002/|access-date=August 11, 2021|title='This is the new home of Colonels football': Nicholls opens new athletic complex }}</ref> The current playing surface is GeoGreen Replicated Grass.<ref name="GeoGreen Grass">{{cite web|url=https://geauxcolonels.com/news/2017/5/3/football-guidry-stadium-field-turf-installation-underway.aspx|title=Guidry Stadium field turf installation underway|date=May 3, 2017 |publisher=geauxcolonels.com|access-date=June 13, 2019}}</ref> The stadium was officially dedicated on September 16, 1972.
*'''Boucvault Athletic Complex'''<br>The Boucvault Athletic Complex is a 20,000-square-foot facility in the south end zone of Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium.<ref name="Boucvault Ath Cmplx">{{cite news|url=https://www.dailycomet.com/story/sports/2021/08/12/nicholls-state-university-opens-new-boucvault-family-athletic-complex/8094389002/|title='This is the new home of Colonels football': Nicholls opens new athletic complex|work=dailycomet.com|date=August 11, 2021|access-date=October 23, 2025}}</ref><ref name="Boucvalt Nicholls donation">{{cite news|url=https://www.houmatoday.com/story/sports/2020/08/04/businessman-who-gave-nicholls-its-biggest-single-donation-revealed/42163767/|title=Nicholls State athletics get $2.5 million donation from businessman Trey Boucvalt|work=houmatoday.com|date=August 3, 2020|access-date=October 23, 2025}}</ref>
*'''Gaubert Oil Practice Facility at Shaw Sports Turf/Manning Field'''<br>The Gaubert Oil Practice Facility at Shaw Sports Turf/Manning Field is a covered turf 100-yard turf field and also includes office and storage space.<ref name="Gaubert Shaw Sports Manning">{{cite news|url=https://crescentcitysports.com/nicholls-unveils-covered-practice-facility-archie-manning-receives-honorary-doctorate/|title=Nicholls unveils covered practice facility; Archie Manning receives honorary doctorate|work=crescentcitysports.com|date=June 23, 2023|access-date=October 23, 2025}}</ref><ref name="Gaubert Naminmg">{{cite news|url=https://www.lafourchegazette.com/announcements/gaubert-oil-earns-naming-rights-to-nicholls-athletics-covered-practice-facility/article_2ce7fad2-ceae-11ef-b8f5-0725a6282cee.html|title=Gaubert Oil Earns Naming Rights to Nicholls Athletics Covered Practice Facility|work=lafourchegazette.com|date=January 9, 2025|access-date=October 23, 2025}}</ref> It is located directly behind the Boucvault Athletic Complex and Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://thenichollsworth.com/7011512/uncategorized/campus-construction-update-athletics-ayo-pool/?utm_source=chatgpt.com|title=Campus Construction Update: Athletics & Ayo Pool|work=thenichollsworth.com|date=August 30, 2023|access-date=October 23, 2025}}</ref>{{AI-retrieved source|date=March 2026|checked=no}}
*'''Stopher Gymnasium'''<br>Stopher Gymnasium is a 3,800-seat multi-purpose arena in Thibodaux, Louisiana. It is home to the Nicholls Colonels men's and women's basketball teams and women's volleyball team. It opened in 1970.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.geauxcolonels.com/documents/2012/11/5/2012-13_MBB_Info_Guide.pdf |title=2012-13 Nicholls Colonels Media Guide |publisher=Geauxcolonels.com |access-date=August 28, 2015}}</ref>
*'''Ben Meyer Diamond at Ray E. Didier Field'''<br>Ben Meyer Diamond at Ray E. Didier Field is a baseball venue in Thibodaux, Louisiana.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://geauxcolonels.com/documents/2018/1/22/2018_Quick_Facts.pdf |title=Nicholls Baseball Quick Facts|publisher=Nicholls State Office of Media Relations for Athletics|access-date=October 7, 2018}}</ref> It is home to the Nicholls Colonels baseball team of the NCAA Division I in the Southland Conference.<ref name=facil>{{cite web|title=Nicholls Athletics Facilities Photo Gallery|url=http://geauxcolonels.com/photo_gallery.aspx?gallery=13&|work=Geaux Colonels|publisher=Nicholls State University Athletic Department|access-date=December 23, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119220027/http://geauxcolonels.com/photo_gallery.aspx?gallery=13&|archive-date=January 19, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The venue has a capacity of 2,100.
*'''LaTour Golf Club'''<br>The LaTour Golf Club located in Mathews, Louisiana, is the home golf course of the Nicholls Colonels men's golf team of the NCAA Division I in the Southland Conference.<ref name="Nicholls Golf Course"/> It is an 18-hole, 7,170 yard, 72 par course and includes an on-site practice facility.
*'''Nicholls Farm'''<br>Nicholls Farm is the home course for the Nicholls Colonels cross country teams in Thibodaux, Louisiana.<ref name="Nicholls Farm">{{cite web |url=https://geauxcolonels.com/news/2019/9/20/womens-track-and-field-colonels-set-to-host-nicholls-xc-invitational.aspx|title=Colonels set to host Nicholls XC Invitational|date=September 20, 2019 |publisher=geauxcolonels.com|access-date=November 26, 2019}}</ref> It is a 277-acre farm located three miles south of Nicholls’ campus.<ref name="Nicholls Farm-PSL">{{cite web |url=https://www.nicholls.edu/development/2019/09/11/growing-the-future-port-of-south-louisiana-partners-with-nicholls/|title=Growing the Future: Port of South Louisiana Partners with Nicholls|date=September 11, 2019 |publisher=nicholls.edu|access-date=November 26, 2019}}</ref>
*'''Nicholls Golf Range'''<br>The Nicholls Golf Range is the driving range complex located on the campus of Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nicholls.edu/documents/campus_maps/nicholls_map_3D_color.pdf |title=Map of Nichols State University Campus |publisher=Nicholls.edu |access-date=August 28, 2015}}</ref> It is a practice venue for the Nicholls Colonels men's golf team of the NCAA Division I in the Southland Conference.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://geauxcolonels.com/facilities/nicholls-golf-range/40|title=Nicholls Golf Range|publisher=geauxcolonels.com|access-date=January 28, 2026}}</ref>
*'''Swanner Field at Geo Surfaces Park'''<br>Swanner Field at Geo Surfaces Park is a softball venue in Thibodaux, Louisiana.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.geauxcolonels.com/documents/2013/5/9/2013_SB_Media_Guide.pdf|title=2013 Nicholls Softball Media Guide|publisher=Geauxcolonels.com|access-date=August 28, 2015}}</ref> It is home to the Nicholls Colonels softball team of the NCAA Division I in the Southland Conference. The venue has a capacity of 500.
*'''Thibodaux Regional Sports Complex'''<br>The Thibodaux Regional Sports Complex is a 12-acre sports complex located between Nicholls State University and the Thibodaux Regional Wellness Center opening in 2022.<ref name="TRSC-TRMC">{{cite web|url=https://www.fitnesscenterofthibodauxregional.com/sports-complex/|title=Thibodaux Regional Sports Complex|date=|publisher=fitnesscenterofthibodauxregional.com|access-date=January 28, 2026}}</ref> The complex offers multiple sports facilities such as a beach volleyball courts, a multi-purpose field and track and tennis courts that meet NCAA national championship-level requirements and is home to Nicholls State University athletics sports teams.<ref name="TRSC-TRMC"/><ref name="TRSC-NSU">{{cite web|url=https://geauxcolonels.com/facilities/thibodaux-regional-sports-complex/30|title=Thibodaux Regional Sports Complex|date=|publisher=geauxcolonels.com|access-date=January 28, 2026}}</ref>
:*'''Thibodaux Regional Sports Complex beach volleyball courts'''<br> ::The beach volleyball courts offer twelve courts using Olympic-quality sand.<ref name="TRSC-TRMC"/> It became home to the Nicholls Colonels women's beach volleyball team in March 2023.<ref name="TRSC-NSU"/><ref name="TRSC-NSUBV">{{cite web|url=https://geauxcolonels.com/sports/womens-beach-volleyball/schedule/2023|title=2023 Women's Beach Volleyball Schedule|date=|publisher=geauxcolonels.com|access-date=January 28, 2026}}</ref>
:*'''Thibodaux Regional Sports Complex multi-purpose field and track'''<br> ::The multi-purpose field and track offers facilities for track and field, soccer and football.<ref name="TRSC-TRMC"/> The multi-purpose field is home to the Nicholls Colonels women's soccer team playing their first match at the facility in August 2022.<ref name="TRSC-NSU"/><ref name="TRSC-NSUSoccer">{{cite web|url=https://geauxcolonels.com/sports/womens-soccer/schedule/2022|title=2022 Women's Soccer Schedule|date=|publisher=geauxcolonels.com|access-date=January 28, 2026}}</ref> The eight-lane track became home to the Nicholls Colonels women's track and field team in Spring 2023.<ref name="TRSC-NSU"/>
:*'''Thibodaux Regional Sports Complex tennis courts'''<br> ::The tennis courts offer twelve courts with a viewing grandstand.<ref name="TRSC-TRMC"/> It became home to the Nicholls Colonels men's and women's tennis teams in January 2023.<ref name="TRSC-NSUTennis">{{cite web|url=https://geauxcolonels.com/sports/mens-tennis/schedule/2022-23|title=2022-23 Men's Tennis Schedule|date=|publisher=geauxcolonels.com|access-date=January 28, 2026}}</ref>
*'''Frank L. Barker Athletic Building'''<br>The Frank L. Barker Athletic Building or Barker Hall is the athletic administration building for Nicholls State University athletics. It also formerly housed the Nicholls Colonels football operations center and baseball fieldhouse.<ref name="FOB-CC Sports">{{cite web|url=https://crescentcitysports.com/nicholls-receives-gift-for-barker-hall-expansion-football-operations-center/|title=Nicholls receives gift for Barker Hall Expansion, Football Operations Center|date=June 12, 2019 |publisher=crescentcitysports.com|access-date=June 13, 2019}}</ref>
*'''Leonard C. Chabert Strength and Conditioning Facility'''<br>The Nicholls Colonels strength and conditioning facility is located inside the Leonard C. Chabert Strength and Conditioning Facility or Leonard C. Chabert Hall. It includes the weight room and nutrition center for Nicholls athletics.<ref name="FOB-CC Sports"/>
=== Former venues === *Atchafalaya Golf Course at Idlewild — Men's golf (2015–2018) *Colonel Tennis Complex — Men's and women's tennis (2008–2022)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://geauxcolonels.com/news/2008/3/27/032708aaa_50.aspx|title=Tennis Sweeps Alcorn State Wednesday|work=geauxcolonels.com|date=March 27, 2008|access-date=January 28, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.geauxcolonels.com/custompages/2013women/html/nich0329.htm|title=Sam Houston State vs Nicholls (3/29/2013)|work=geauxcolonels.com}}</ref> *Nicholls Soccer Complex — Women's soccer (1998–2021) *Nicholls State Colonels football practice fields — Football (1972–2023) *Shaver Gymnasium — Men's basketball (1958–1969)
=== Gallery === <gallery mode=packed heights=100> File:Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium, Thibodaux, Louisiana - Home Stands and Boucvault Athletic Complex, Field View.jpg|Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium (football) File:Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium, Thibodaux, Louisiana - Home Stands, Boucvault Athletic Complex, Gaubert Oil Practice Facility at Shaw Sports Turf-Manning Field.jpg|Boucvault Athletic Complex and Gaubert Oil Practice Facility at Shaw Sports Turf/Manning Field (football) File:David R. Stopher Gymnasium, Thibodaux, LA, Broussard Court and Don Landry Legacy Center.jpg|Stopher Gymnasium (basketball, volleyball) File:Ray E. Didier Field (Thibodaux, Louisiana) grandstand.jpg|Ben Meyer Diamond at Ray E. Didier Field (baseball) File:LaTour Golf Club Course and Bridge (1).jpg|LaTour Golf Club (golf) File:Nicholls Farm Entrance.jpg|Nicholls Farm (cross country) File:Colonels Softball Complex (Thibodaux, Louisiana) outfield.jpg|Swanner Field at Geo Surfaces Park (softball) File:Thibodaux Regional Sports Complex, Beach Volleyball Courts Stands far, Thibodaux, LA.jpg|Thibodaux Regional Sports Complex beach volleyball courts (beach volleyball) File:Thibodaux Regional Sports Complex, Multi-Purpose Field and Track, Thibodaux Reg Med Ctr Complex, Thibodaux, Louisiana.jpg|Thibodaux Regional Sports Complex multi-purpose field and track (soccer and track & field) File:Thibodaux Regional Sports Complex, Tennis Courts and Stands far, Thibodaux, LA.jpg|Thibodaux Regional Sports Complex tennis courts (tennis) File:Nicholls State Colonels-Frank L Barker Athletic Building.jpg|Frank L. Barker Athletic Building (athletic administration) File:Nicholls State Colonels-Chabert Strength and Conditioning Facility.jpg|Leonard C. Chabert Strength and Conditioning Facility </gallery>
==Nicholls Colonels traditions== ===Nicholls State University Alma Mater=== The name of the "official" Alma Mater for Nicholls State University is "Nicholls State University Alma Mater."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nicholls.edu/about/history-and-traditions/|title=History and Traditions|publisher=nicholls.edu|access-date=2018-04-28}}</ref>
===Nicholls Colonels Fight Song=== The name of the "official" fight song for Nicholls State University is "Nicholls Colonels Fight Song."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fightmusic.com/lyrics/southland_nicholls-state.html|title=Nicholls State Colonels School Songs Lyrics|publisher=fightmusic.com|access-date=2018-04-28}}</ref>
===Pride of Nicholls Marching Band=== {{main|Pride of Nicholls}} The "Pride of Nicholls" Marching Band is the marching band which represents Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Pride of Nicholls Marching Band|publisher=nicholls.edu|url=http://www.nicholls.edu/perform/ensembles/marching-band/|access-date=2013-01-20|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527123121/http://www.nicholls.edu/perform/ensembles/marching-band/|archive-date=2010-05-27}}</ref>
===Colonel Tillou=== {{main|Colonel Tillou}} "Colonel Tillou" is the official athletics mascot for Nicholls State University.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nicholls.edu/mascot/official-logos-and-marks/behind-the-scenes-the-reinvention-of-col-tillou/ |access-date=March 18, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306160214/http://www.nicholls.edu/mascot/official-logos-and-marks/behind-the-scenes-the-reinvention-of-col-tillou/ |title=Colonel Tillou |archive-date=March 6, 2012 }}</ref> The modern version of Col. Tillou wears a bright red uniform topped off with a contemporary-style military officer's cap.
===Nicholls School Colors=== The "official" school colors for Nicholls are red and gray.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nicholls.edu/branding/nicholls-colors/|title=Nicholls Colors|publisher=nicholls.edu|access-date=May 28, 2019}}</ref>
===Nicholls Colonelettes and Colorguard=== The Nicholls Colonelettes are the Nicholls dance team. This group performs at all home football games, one away football game, and all home basketball games. They participate in all pep rallies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nicholls.edu/music/ensembles/marching-band/teams/|title=Nicholls Colonelettes and Colorguard|author=achamberlain|work=nicholls.edu}}</ref>
The Nicholls Colorguard performs at all home football games.
===Nicholls Cheerleaders=== The Nicholls Cheerleaders are the co-ed cheerleading squad for the Nicholls Colonels. The cheerleaders perform at football games, basketball games and pep rallies in addition to a number of public relations and charitable events each year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nicholls.edu/cheerleaders/|title=Nicholls State University Cheerleading|author=mmcelroy|work=nicholls.edu}}</ref>
==Rivalries== The Nicholls sports teams maintain a conference rivalry with the Southeastern Louisiana sports teams, but the main rivalry is in football where the teams compete in the annual River Bell Classic.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Beck|first1=Stan|last2=Wilkinson|first2=Jack|title=College Sports Traditions|date=September 19, 2013|trans-title=Picking Up Butch, Silent Night, and Hundreds of Others|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xa4EAQAAQBAJ&q=nicholls+vs+southeastern+river+bell+classic&pg=PA315|access-date=May 28, 2019|publisher=Scarecrow Press|location=Lanham, Maryland|isbn=978-0810891210|page=315}}</ref> The Nicholls sports teams also compete against conference rival Northwestern State and in football the teams play in the annual NSU Challenge.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rivalry trophy on the line in road test at Northwestern State|date=October 4, 2018 |url=https://geauxcolonels.com/news/2018/10/4/football-rivalry-trophy-on-the-line-in-road-test-at-northwestern-state.aspx|publisher=geauxcolonels.com|access-date=October 7, 2018}}</ref>
In football, Nicholls has a rivalry dating back to 1998 with the Texas State Bobcats. They compete irregularly for the Battle for the Paddle trophy.<ref>{{cite web|title=#22 Texas State Plays Host To Nicholls State In Battle For The Paddle Game on Saturday|date=October 14, 2010 |url=https://txst.com/news/2010/10/14/FB_1014105510.aspx?path=football|publisher=txst.com|access-date=July 1, 2025}}</ref>
==Nicholls State University Athletics Hall of Fame== The purpose of the Nicholls State University Athletics Hall of Fame is to strengthen and perpetuate athletic tradition at the university.<ref name="HOF">{{cite web |url=http://www.geauxcolonels.com/sports/2010/7/31/GEN_0731102146.aspx|title=Nicholls State University Athletics Hall of Fame|publisher=geauxcolonels.com|access-date=April 18, 2013}}</ref> Members in the Athletics Hall of Fame shall consist only of those outstanding persons whose dedication and performance merit the great honors that the University can bestow.<ref name="HOF"/>
The Hall of Fame is located on the campus of Nicholls State University in the Frank L. Barker Athletic Building.
==Colonel Athletic Association== The Colonel Athletic Association is the fundraising organization for the Nicholls State University athletics department.<ref name="CAA">{{cite web|url=https://geauxcolonels.com/sports/2018/1/25/colonel-athletic-association.aspx|title=Colonel Athletic Association|publisher=geauxcolonels.com|access-date=May 28, 2019}}</ref> The athletic association helps to provide support to Nicholls' student-athletes and also focuses on fundraising activities for facility enhancements and operating expenses.<ref name="CAA"/>
== Athletic directors == {| class="wikitable"; style= " " ! width= 150px style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Nicholls Colonels|border=1|color= white }}"| Director ! width= 150px style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Nicholls Colonels|border=1|color= white }}"| Years served |- | Morris Osburn | 1958–1960 |- | James Hall | 1960–1963 |- | Raymond Didier | 1963–1978 |- | Don Landry | 1978–1987 |- | Phil Greco | 1987–1993 |- | Mike Knight | 1993–1998 |- | Stan Williamson | 1998–2000 |- | Rob Bernardi | 2000–2016 |- | Matt Roan | 2016–2020 |- | Jonathan Terrell | 2020–present |}
''# denotes interim athletic director''
==Broadcast information== ===Nicholls Colonels Radio Network=== The Nicholls Colonels Radio Network is the radio network of the Nicholls Colonels men's and women's sports teams.<ref name="Nicholls Colonels Broadcasting">{{cite web|url=https://www.gotknowhow.com/articles/listen-to-nicholls-state-colonels-radio-network-streaming-live-online|title=How to Listen to Nicholls Colonels Radio Network Streaming Live Online|date=August 28, 2013 |publisher=gotknowhow.com|access-date=June 28, 2019}}</ref> It consists of several radio stations throughout the state of Louisiana.
The list of participating stations are:<ref name="Nicholls Colonels Broadcasting"/> *KLRZ 100.3 FM in Larose, Louisiana (flagship) *KLEB 1600 AM in Golden Meadow, Louisiana *KNSU 91.5 FM in Thibodaux, Louisiana
===Streaming services=== Nicholls Colonels games can be streamed online for free at Colonels All-Access. It is a video subscription service available through the Nicholls athletics department where viewers can watch a live stream of all non-televised home football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and volleyball events.<ref name="Nicholls Colonels Broadcasting"/>
==See also== *List of NCAA Division I institutions
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{commons cat}} * {{Official website}}
{{Nicholls State University}} {{Southland Conference navbox}} {{Louisiana Sports}}
Category:Nicholls Colonels Category:Sports clubs and teams in Thibodaux, Louisiana