Day in the Life: Athlete at Nichols College

TYLER DAVIS

Year in School: Junior

Major: Marketing

Years Playing Rugby: 4

Position in Rugby: Prop

Why did you choose your school?

I chose Nichols College because it offered one of the strongest business programs near my

hometown, which was important to me. I wanted a school where I could get an excellent education

while staying close to my support system. Nichols’ smaller campus also creates a tight-knit,

community feel where it's easy to build relationships with professors, classmates, and

teammates. Another primary reason was the rugby program. At the time, it was still developing,

and I saw it as an excellent opportunity to be part of something that was growing and making an

impact. The potential to help build a culture from the ground up was exciting. All of those

factors made Nichols the right fit.

Nichols College Campus

What was your process of being recruited?

Initially, I planned on attending a different college, but everything changed just a couple

of weeks before move-in. I had the chance to meet Coach Michael Ricci, and he encouraged me

to visit Nichols to see it for myself. During my visit, I was welcomed by a few members

of the rugby club who gave me insight into campus life, not just from a rugby perspective but

also academically and socially. They helped me realize that Nichols had a lot more to offer

than I expected. The visit made me feel like I belonged here, and I knew it was the place

where I could grow both as a student and an athlete.

What are your favorite parts about being a member of the rugby program?

 The best part about being on the rugby team is the culture we’ve built. We win and lose as a

team, and there’s a real sense of accountability; we push each other to be our best. The

standards are high, but the support is even higher. What I also appreciate is how that support

extends beyond the field. We check in on each other academically and make sure everyone is

staying on top of their classes. It’s a brotherhood that values growth in all areas, not just

rugby. That kind of environment motivates you to show up every day.

What are your favorite parts about being a student at your school?

 As a student, I really enjoy the small class sizes. They allow me to build genuine relationships

with my professors and classmates, which makes the academic side of college much more

personal and interactive. I also appreciate the campus's active atmosphere. There’s always

something going on, events, activities, clubs, which means there’s never a dull moment. It’s

easy to find ways to connect with people outside your major or sport. Nichols does a great

job of making sure students have opportunities to get involved and enjoy the full college

experience.

How do you balance schoolwork and rugby?

Balancing schoolwork and rugby has actually been very manageable. All of our class

schedules and assignments are posted on Canvas months in advance, which makes it

easy to plan ahead. Similarly, our practice and game schedules are consistent, so I know

exactly when I’ll have time to study or work on assignments. Having that structure in place

helps a lot. I try to stay organized and use my free time wisely, especially on lighter class

days. It comes down to discipline and communication; if you stay on top of things,

there’s plenty of time to succeed in both areas.

What does a typical day and/or week look like for you?

On a typical day, I have two classes between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM. After class, I usually head

over to Lombard Dining Hall for lunch with friends or teammates. I try to hit the gym around 2

PM for a lift or some extra work. Practice usually starts around 6 PM, when we get together as

a team. After practice, I grab dinner in the Fels Lounge and either get some homework done

or hang out. Saturdays we usually have a game, and Sundays is typically a day just to relax and

get any other work done that I have left

What’s the biggest challenge about playing rugby at your school?

One of the biggest challenges is staying physically and mentally sharp throughout the

season. With a growing program like ours, there’s a high level of intensity and expectation to

help set the tone for future players. There’s also the challenge of maintaining that competitive

edge while still supporting teammates. But all of that pushes you to become more

disciplined, and it’s worth it because you're helping build something special.

Besides rugby, what else are you involved in on campus?

I’m a member of the Marketing Club, which has been an excellent opportunity to take what I’m

learning in the classroom and apply it in real-world settings. The club hosts networking

events, brings in guest speakers, and organizes hands-on projects that give students a

chance to explore different areas of the marketing industry. It’s helped me build connections

and gain a clearer idea of where I want to go in my career. I really enjoy being part of a group

that’s focused on growth, just like our rugby program.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with a high school player who is interested in your

school?

If you're looking for a school with a strong business focus and an up-and-coming rugby

program, Nichols is a great fit. It’s a place where you can make an impact and be part of

something that’s still growing. You’ll get the support you need both in the classroom and on

the field, and you’ll have the chance to build authentic relationships that last beyond college. If

you’re ready to work hard and be part of a tight community, Nichols has a lot to offer.

Awards:

Patriot Rugby Conference 2023 All-Star

Patriot Rugby Conference 2023 Sportsmanship Award Winner

Nichols Rugby Rookie of the Year 2024

2x Nerfu All-Star 2024, 2025

National Collegiate All-Star 2025

Nichols Rugby MVP 2025

Coached Sharks Youth Rugby Team to Championship Game School Website: https://www.nichols.edu/ Team Website: https://nicholsathletics.com/sports/mens-rugby Head Coach Michael Ricci Michael.Ricci@nichols.edu