NAPLES, FL. – The difference between the high school and college levels of play is extremely different and a huge challenge to adapt to.
For NHS alumni Lincoln Nichols, class of 2025, this transition came relatively easy.
“I have learned that there are levels to the game and to perform at higher levels requires more effort and practice,” said Lincoln Nichols, NHS alumni and basketball player for Ave Maria University in Naples, Florida. “Nothing comes easy. Everyone involved is more athletic and has more drive to work harder.”
While the next level may be challenging for a high school athlete, for Nichols, especially, this step up was aided by his work in high school as there are also things that stay the same in the transition to college.
“They are similar in the fact that it’s still basketball,” said Nichols. “Everyone still wants to win and succeed in their roles.”
“I always knew Lincoln wanted to pursue collegiate athletics but I wasn’t sure whether he wanted to go for track or basketball,” said James Wolf, Nichols’ high school teammate. “We were all very proud of him when he announced his decision, and I know he’ll do great.”
Following his time at NHS where he contributed to a BL title his junior season, Nichols committed to Ave Maria in Naples, Florida, an NAIA athletic program, to play basketball. He followed in the footsteps of his sister NHS alumni Juliet Nichols who also plays at Ave Maria.
“It helps that Juliette goes to the same school because she’s someone that I could always talk to and understands me the best,” said Nichols. “It makes the transition from high school to college a bit easier.”
But just because you made it to the college level doesn’t make it easier from there. Fortunately for Nichols, his time at NHS and growing up in Woodbury helped him for the next step.
”Some experiences that have helped me prepare for college are having a basketball hoop in my driveway,” said Nichols. “[At home in Woodbury] the 24 hour access to work on my game has helped me a lot. Also having a weight room I could go to has helped me develop my body for a more physical level of basketball in college.”
These little things in life that you may not think are that important can actually help you out big time.
For high school athletes making the jump to the next level, new teammates and coaching might take a while to get to know and you tend to miss your old teammates and home environment, but in the end it’s worth it.
“I have adjusted well. It takes a couple weeks to understand your teammates’ tendencies and abilities,” said Nichols. “It is also different adjusting to new coaching styles. To do so I keep an open mind and try to foster relationships off the court.”
Even after high school when athletes have moved on to new things, they will never forget the memories you made with their team.
“I will miss the joy everyone had on and off the court,” said Nichols. “I also miss the Chief culture we’ve built of winning and especially the fans and the student section.”
Nichols was the model of what a good student athlete was.
“Lincoln was a great role model; he played multiple sports, was involved in clubs, and had good grades,” said Wolf. “He was also just a joyful person who was nice to everyone, he will definitely be missed at Nonnewaug.”
During Nichols’ winter break, a stretch from late December to early January, Nichols took time to catch up with this year’s team and get a look at this year’s NHS group.
“It was great to be home for Christmas, to see my family, friends, and [my] hometown as well as also being in a different climate,” said Nichols. “Christmas will always be better in Connecticut than Florida.”
Nichols took time to catch up with this year’s team and get a look at this year’s NHS group.
“The team looked great,” Nichols said. “I watched them play in the tournament championship and the Shepaug away game,” said Nichols. “They looked to have great chemistry as expected, and they showed great defense against the top players from both teams. This is very exciting for the team and they should be looking towards a conference championship for sure and potentially a state championship run.”
