The Nicholls State Colonels have a long history of athletic excellence that reflects their determination and team spirit. Competing in NCAA Division I, the Nicholls State Colonels football and Nicholls State Colonels baseball programs have both earned respect through championship wins, talented players, and years of dedication that continue to define their success.
College Sports Established
1948
Location
Thibodaux, Louisiana
College Name
Nicholls State University
Collegiate History
1979 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1991 - Present / Southland Conference
1979 - 1984, 1987 - 1991 / Independent
1984 - 1987 / Gulf Star Conference
Nickname
Colonels - The Nicholls State Colonels are an NCAA Division I team that has existed since the early 1970s. The school is in Thibodaux, Louisiana, and competes in the Southland Conference. While many may not know much about this small school, they have a unique nickname with fascinating origins.
Nicholls State Colonels Origin
The nickname "Colonels" was adopted by Nicholls State University in 1972 when it first became a member of the NCAA's Division I-A level of competition. It was chosen to honor two prominent figures from Louisiana: Colonel William Caffery and Colonel Alfred Mouton, who served as leaders during America's Civil War period (1861-1865). Both men were born into families with strong ties to France, so their French ancestry was also considered when selecting this name for the university’s athletic teams.
The mascot for Nicholls State University is known as “Colonel Tillou” or simply “Tillou,” which pays homage to one of these two colonels mentioned above—William Caffery—who had his plantation near Thibodaux where he grew sugarcane and other crops on land given to him by his father-in-law Jean Baptiste Baudoin dit Tillou (hence why he is referred to as ‘Tillou').
So while some may think that having such a unique name might be strange or even intimidating at times, it does pay tribute to those who fought bravely during America's Civil War over 150 years ago! As sports fans, we should all appreciate how special names like these can be when representing our favorite teams! Go, Colonels!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1982
- 1986
- 1998
- 2018
- 2021
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Colonels football team became member of the Southland Conference
Nicholls State Colonels football team joined the NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) in 1978 and became a charter member of the Southland Conference in 1982 -
Colonels men’s basketball team won the Gulf Star Conference tournament
Nicholls State Colonels men’s basketball team won the Gulf Star Conference tournament in 1986 and reached the NCAA tournament for the first time -
baseball team won its second conference tournament title
Nicholls State Colonels baseball team won its second conference tournament title in 1998 as a member of the Southland Conference and returned to the NCAA tournament -
Cassidy Barrios – Southland Conference Player of the Year
Cassidy Barrios: A guard who played for Nicholls from 2015 to 2019 and was named the Southland Conference Player of the Year in 2018. She also holds the school records for career points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks -
Colonels women’s soccer team won its second Southland Conference tournament
Nicholls State Colonels women’s soccer team won its second Southland Conference tournament title in 2021 and returned to the NCAA tournament
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Nicholls State Colonels History
The Nicholls State Colonels have built a proud and competitive legacy in NCAA athletics, especially through their rivalry with the Lamar Cardinals. Established in 1948 in Thibodaux, Louisiana, the university quickly expanded its athletic programs. The first official team was an all-male basketball squad that competed at the Division II level before the athletic program grew to include baseball, football, track and field, golf, and volleyball.
In 1983, the Nicholls State Colonels became a founding member of the Southland Conference, marking a turning point in the school’s athletic history. The Nicholls State Colonels football program has been especially successful, earning multiple Southland Conference titles and making strong postseason runs. Their consistent performance has solidified them as one of the most respected programs in the league.
The Nicholls State Colonels baseball program has also achieved considerable success over the years, producing talented players who have gone on to play professionally. The team has won several conference championships and is known for its competitive spirit and strong defense. Alongside football and baseball, the women’s basketball and softball programs have been dominant, claiming multiple Southland Conference championships and tournament wins.
Colonels Achievements
Individual athletes from Nicholls State have earned national recognition as well. Standout players such as quarterback Chase Fourcade made history by setting numerous school records, while other athletes in track and field, softball, and basketball have received All-American honors. These accomplishments reflect the school’s dedication to excellence both on and off the field.
Today, the Nicholls State Colonels continue to thrive across multiple sports, including Nicholls State Colonels football and Nicholls State Colonels baseball, maintaining their proud tradition of athletic success. Their commitment to teamwork, determination, and academic growth makes Nicholls State a respected name in collegiate sports, carrying forward a legacy built over decades of passion and achievement.
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