Bowie State University Lacrosse Team Aims for Championship

Student-athletes Push for Greater Exposure and Success

 

MEDIA CONTACT: media@bowiestate.edu

(BOWIE, Md.)—The Bowie State University lacrosse team continues to build momentum as players work to elevate the program and solidify its standing among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). With dedicated athletes like Khalil Anderson, Maurice Butler, and Jaquai Bell leading the way under the guidance of Head Coach Brian Nicholas, the team has its sights set on championship success and future expansion. 

For Anderson, lacrosse has been a part of his life since childhood. “I’ve been playing since I was about six years old—so for about 14 or 15 years now,” he said. “Choosing to play at an HBCU was an intentional decision, as lacrosse has historically lacked exposure in these institutions. We’re basically starting a program at Bowie State. This gives us exposure and helps build something new.” 

Anderson, now in his senior year, is focused on a singular goal: winning a championship. “My personal goal was always to score 20 to 30 goals per season, but ultimately, it’s all about winning the championship,” he said. 

Maurice Butler, who transferred to Bowie State in 2022, has played lacrosse for 16 years. Before becoming a Bulldog, he played at Mercer County College. The transition to Bowie’s club team allowed him greater flexibility in balancing academics and athletics. 

“I learned that Bowie State had a lacrosse club team, which would provide me with more control over my schedule,” said Butler. Having played in predominantly white leagues growing up, Butler said he didn’t experience much discrimination firsthand, but understands the significance of growing lacrosse within HBCUs. 

Head Coach Brian Nicholas, a proud Bowie State alumnus, has been instrumental in developing the team. His goals for the season extend beyond just winning. “We want to improve our level of play—learn how to catch, pass, dodge, and shoot properly,” he said. “But most importantly, I want my players to have fun.” 

Nicholas, who understands the historical roots of lacrosse, believes HBCUs should play a greater role in the sport. “Lacrosse originated with Native Americans as the ‘Creator’s Game,” he explained. “As an HBCU, we’re part of a new generation pushing African Americans into the sport, especially here in Maryland.” 

Jaquai Bell, another standout player, joined the lacrosse team after transferring to Bowie State. “I always wanted to represent my school in sports, and lacrosse gave me that opportunity,” he said. 

Bell emphasized the importance of increased investment in HBCU lacrosse programs, stating that greater funding would allow the team to compete at a higher level. “If we had more funding for our sports programs, we could compete with top-tier teams, attracting more students to the university.” 

“We’ve beaten every team in this league except Morgan State,” Anderson said. “If we beat them, my whole college career is a success.”  

Beyond college, Anderson has big dreams. With lacrosse recently added to the Olympics, he plans to train for a spot on the 2028 U.S. team. “I’ve got three years to train, and I’m going for it,” he said. In addition, he hopes to inspire young athletes in his hometown of Baltimore by introducing them to the sport.

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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. Bowie State has earned the ‘Research College and University’ designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. 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.