Matt Patterson

Softball Ready to Impress Under Coach Nicholson

2/13/2025 12:00:00 PM | By: Maya Dawson, Asst. Director of Sports Communications

NORFOLK, Va. - The Norfolk State softball team's 2025 season begins in a round-robin series against Saint Peter's and Mercyhurst at home on Feb. 15-16 at the NSU Softball Field.

Angie Nicholson enters her first season as head coach of the Spartans after three seasons at Georgia State. Nicholson brings over 25 years of coaching experience to Norfolk.

"I take pride in knowing my players strengths and utilizing their strengths in order to get the best outcome possible," Nicholson said. "I've seen what these players can do in practice so I know just what they are capable of during the game and it's my job to put them in the best scenario to be successful and in turn that leads to win down the road."

At Georgia State, Nicholson set the single-season record for most stolen bases back-to-back seasons: 121 in 2022 and 94 in 2023. In 2022, three of Nicholson's players finished with 20 or more stolen bases in a season.

"I run and we will run. At Georgia State in my first year, we broke the stolen base record. It's been a process to teach and guide everyone, but to also give the free reins to run," Nicholson said. "We are going to get thrown out, but we are going to steal 90 times out of 100. When a pop fly or a ground ball comes we are taking advantage of the opportunity and we are going to score on it!"

Seven infielders, five pitchers, four outfielders and two utility players return for the Spartans, while welcoming in seven newcomers. Key returners include pitchers Kailey Bryant and Brierra Tyler, outfielders Lauren Sheehan, Kira Turner.

Newcomers include Qween Edmonds, Amaya McPherson, and Jaiden Henderson.

"It's been so great to see them grow and to watch them this fall against live opponents," Nicholson said. "Every game got better and better, and our practices got better and better."

Last year, sophomore pitcher Bryant totaled 22 appearances and 13 starts for a 5.76 ERA with 32 strikeouts.

"Bryant was great in the circle for us." Nicholson said. "She was great on the pass, the circle, and a force to be reckoned with the fall."

Senior pitcher Tyler led the team in strikeouts last season (48), posting a season-high eight against N.C. Central on Mar. 21. Tyler pitched a 4.62 ERA through 69.2 innings, whilst also throwing a team high three complete games.

Sophomore transfer Qween Edmonds comes to Norfolk State after a season at Radford. In one year, she batted .203 with 12 hits, three doubles and a triple in 26 games at third base.

"I see just how hungry they are, they want to be here, they want to win, they are happy to be here," Nicholson. "Being able to come into this culture means a lot because I know that we are more than ready for the upcoming season."

Senior Sheehan made 13 pitching appearances whilst also starting 42 times in left field. Sheehan pitched a 4.35 ERA in 27.1 innings while striking out 26 batters. Sheehan led all outfielders in putouts with 54, posting a .912 fielding percentage.

Henderson, a freshman out of Thomas Dale High School in Chester, Va., impressed Nicholson in the fall with her performances.

"Being a lefty, she adds another flavor to the team." Coach Nicholson said. "She did well. Plus, she didn't allow a single run in all the innings she pitched in the fall."

The 2025 season opens on Feb. 15-16 in a series against Mercyhurst and Saint Peter's as the Spartans start the season with 12 consecutive home games.

"I think anytime you can stay home in your own bed and do your own routines. It feels good." Nicholson said. "I am all for it, we can host since we are down south so we have the opportunity to face many opponents who are on the road for their first 30 games."

The Spartans host four institutions in two home tournaments: the Spartan/Pirate Invite from Feb.21-22 and Spartan/Pirate Challenge from Feb.28- Mar. 1.

Coach Nicholson returns to the MEAC after coaching Hampton from 2016-2021, posting a 28-8 conference record in her time at Hampton (Hampton left the MEAC in 2018).

"We're here and you are going to know who we are." Coach Nicholson said. ""You are going to remember us for who we are" is the statement I want to make in the MEAC."

Conference play begins on Mar. 15-16 versus South Carolina State at home, which leads into Coach Nicholson's return to Hampton on Mar. 18 against the Pirates in Hampton, Va.

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