California University of Pennsylvania Athletics

Jessica Nicholls was Cal's shot-putter in 1983 and 1984. She earned All-American honors during those years and still holds the school record with a putt of 45'95'. In addition to her work with the shot-putt she was a member of the 4x100 relay team.

From Barbados, West Indies, to California University, Jessica Nicholls took a long journey that culminated with a college degree and All-American honors.

A star in the shot put who also was a standout runner, Nicholls was a member of the Vulcan track & field squad from 1981 through 1984 under head coach Marty Uher. Her field coach was Dr. Phil Coleman, a former Olympic participant.

Nicholls was a two-time NCAA Division II All-American in the shot put. As a senior, Nicholls finished fifth nationally in the shot put with a toss of 45’ 9 ½” at the NCAA Division II national meet held at Southeast Missouri State. That memorable toss enabled Nicholls to attain All-American status for the second-straight year and remains a school record 17 years later. At the PSAC Championships the week before the 1984 Nationals, Nicholls won the state title in the shot put and was also the second leg of Cal’s 4-by-100-relay team which finished an impressive second. In 1983, Nicholls was second at the PSAC meet in the shot put and fifth nationally. Team-oriented, Nicholls also competed in the discus for the Vulcans.

Earning consecutive fifth-place national finishes and All-American recognition are achievements that Nicholls remembers fondly.

“The post-season meets were always exciting and something I’ll never forget,” said Nicholls. “Making All-American was really special because you were in a tough field. Those people were the best of the best and it was a great challenge and a big thrill for me.”

Though her national success came in an individual sport, Nicholls was quick to credit Uher for playing a significant role.

“Marty Uher was the best,” Nicholls said. “If it was not for him I probably would have quit early on. He was a great inspiration for me at California. “

Nicholls also spoke kindly and appreciatively of Coleman.

“He put in a lot of extra time with me and had a lot to do with me improving,” Nicholls said.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and early childhood education in 1987 and was also a member of the Kappa Sweetheart Club.

Born in Barbados, Nicholls lived there for 18 years and was encouraged to participate in track & field by her cousin, Frieda Nicholls. Her high school track & field team in Barbados won consecutive “Interschool Athletics” team titles. In her championship meet, Nicholls took first place in the shot put and javelin while placing second in the 100, 200, and 400-yard runs. She also represented the Barbados National Team and won the Silver Cup competing at Martinique against athletes from all over the world.

In 1977, Nicholls moved to Philadelphia to live with her mother and complete her high school studies. She graduated from Kensington High School in 1980. Her collegiate choice came down to Cal U and fellow State System School Slippery Rock.

“I loved my experience at California,” Nicholls said. “I visited both schools and liked what Coach Uher had to say. He was upfront and honest. I liked the rural setting and was just more impressed with California. There’s no doubt I made the right decision for me.”

Making the most of her college education, Nicholls is a seventh-grade teacher at Kenderton Middle School in the Philadelphia School district. She has been at Kenderton for the past five years after teaching 10 years in private schools. Nicholls is a member of the prestigious Who’s Who Among American Teachers.

“My college days prepared me well for a career in teaching,” said Nicholls. “I had good teachers and have been fortunate to enjoy a career that came about through my education.”

Football and basketball players comprise the majority of the Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame but Nicholls is quite pleased to become the fourth track & field individual inducted.

“I was excited and shocked when I was notified about being selected,” said Nicholls. “Athletes that participate in track & field are often over-looked for things like this and the football and basketball people get most of the attention. That makes being in the Hall of Fame all the better.”

Married to Norman Brown, the couple is the parents of seven-year old JeNae Brown.