Bowie State Builds Club Sports Program With NEXT Collegiate League

Men’s Lacrosse Club Gears Up for Breakthrough Season

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Donell Pettus, donell.pettus3@gmail.com, 240-817-7870

(BOWIE, Md.) – Olympic-style lacrosse, which came to Bowie State University in 2022, is finding its stride with men’s and women’s lacrosse clubs in the NEXT Collegiate League preparing for the spring 2025 season strengthened by new coaches and players.  

Brian Nicolas, a 1988 graduate of BSU, stepped up into the role of head coach of the men’s club in the 2023 season. The women’s club which started in spring 2024, is led by Isaiah Freeman. The women are very excited about coming into the league. 

Club-level sports are more competitive than intramurals but less competitive than collegiate sports. The Olympic style of play of 6 on 6 players on a shorter field is expected to be added as an official sport for the 2028 Olympic games. 

Next Level Sports and Entertainment formed this new league to bring club sports to HBCUs. NEXT Collegiate League includes club-level lacrosse teams from Bowie State, Coppin State, Delaware State, Lincoln University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) and Morgan State. Additional clubs for golf and women’s flag football are being planned.  

Patricia Taylor Fleming, assistant athletic director of intramurals and recreation, says the addition of club sports at BSU gives more student athletes opportunities for competitive play and skill development. She notes that the the potential addition of lacrosse to the Olympics would open the door for students to compete at a higher level.  

“The NEXT Collegiate League not only provides a platform for HBCU lacrosse programs to shine but also serves as a pivotal moment for the university’s athletic department, which has been working to expand its presence in club-level sports,” said Coach Nicolas. 

The Bulldogs have high expectations for next season as the men’s team looks to establish itself as a competitive force in the league with a roster full of emerging talent and a renewed focus on strategy and teamwork, After finishing last season with an even record of 4-4, Coach Nicolas believes this upcoming spring will be a defining moment for the Bowie State Bulldogs.  

“Actually, this year I’m hoping to take the championship,” said Nicolas. “We have the right goalies, including an outstanding goalie in Sean Peavy. We’ve got some great shooters, and our sophomores and juniors are returning stronger than ever. We have a solid lineup for the upcoming season.” 

Nicholas is immensely proud of coaching at his alma mater. His passion for lacrosse began at a young age when he would always carry a lacrosse stick with him wherever he went. Now, he is eager to teach his team the skills and discipline he learned throughout his own journey. 

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.