The fourth annual Faculty vs. Women’s Soccer game is set for April 1 at 5 p.m. with all of the proceeds from the game going to the Ryan Jeffress Memorial Scholarship Fund.
This is a scholarship in memory of Nicholls speech professor Michael Jeffress’s son, who was a soccer player. Jeffress who did not let his wheelchair or Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy limit him, was a founding member of the Tidewater Piranhas Power Soccer Club.
Farren Clark, a speech instructor and colleague of Jeffress, thinks that the soccer game is a great way to remember Jeffress.
Dylan Harrison, head soccer coach, believes this is a great opportunity to help the University. “Each year, we pick a different charity that all the proceeds go to.”
“The new scholarship is awarded to somebody from disability services on campus each year,” Harrison said. “Giving straight back to our own University, I think it’s going to be a special one.”
Looking forward to his third year on the faculty team, Clark thinks that being on the field helps the faculty understand the athletes better. As a speech professor, he can appreciate the way the athletes communicate with each other on the field.  
“I think by being involved along with them, you really get an appreciation for the skills they possess and see it is all about communication, as well as practice and application,” Clark said. “They do a great job reminding us of the work that they do as student athletes and representing Nicholls. It’s very humbling.”
The ladies on the soccer team are undefeated against the faculty team and are just as excited about the game as their opponents. As an added twist, University President Bruce Murphy and his wife, Jeanne, will be the honorary coaches of the teams.
Kelsey Sanders, a senior from Baton Rouge, always looks forward to playing in the faculty game. “Not only is it a chance to play against our teachers and coaches, but it also is a great opportunity to have a lot of fun,” Sanders said. “I know the faculty enjoy the game just as much as we do.”
Sanders will not be participating in the game. “Although, as a senior I cannot play this year, I will definitely be there to watch the faculty lose,” Sanders said, laughing.
Erin Flores, a nursing sophomore from Algonquin, Ill., thinks that this game is a great chance to see her professors in a different light.  
Sarah Tani, a marketing junior from Fort Collins, Colo., agrees that is fun to see all of her teachers out of the classroom. She also says that the banter between the teams can get a little crazy.
“There are some surprisingly good players,” Tani said. “It’s just nice to interact with the faculty because we don’t get as much interaction with the school, besides with other athletes.”
Haley Golden, a sophomore majoring in education from Seabrook, Texas, had a great time playing in the game last year.
“The faculty brought their A-game and I’m sure this year will be the same!” Golden said.