DUDLEY, Mass. (11/24/2025) - Ben Jerome, a well-known name around Nichols College, is back for another year—this time taking on the role of graduate assistant coach for the Nichols baseball team. 

A 2025 graduate of Nichols College, Jerome is now pursuing his master's degree while continuing to give back to the baseball program that helped shape his collegiate career. Known for his dedication both on and off the field, Ben has seamlessly transitioned from player to coach. Head coach Tim Mayo shared that bringing him onto the staff was an easy decision: "Ben knows this program inside and out. He's passionate about building a career in this field, and he pours everything he has into this team. It was an easy choice to have him join our coaching staff." 

Originally from Waterford, Connecticut, Jerome attended Waterford High School, where he played varsity baseball for three seasons. He was a First Team All-ECC selection, earning recognition for his strong performance and leadership on the field. Unfortunately, his senior season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During his junior year, he was recruited to Nichols College to play Division III baseball. 

"I got in contact with Coach Tim Mayo, toured the school, and couldn't get over the landscape of the campus," he recalls. "I could feel the community and the closeness of the school." He went on to major in Corporate Finance and Investments, combining his passion for athletics with a strong interest in business. 

As a freshman, Jerome made an immediate impact as a starter, posting a .471 on-base percentage, the 12th-highest in program history. He also recorded a .358 batting average and drove in 14 runs. 

In his sophomore year, he continued to perform well, batting .292 despite missing a month of play due to injury. During his junior year, while playing catcher, he finished second on the team with 214 putouts and threw out eight runners attempting to steal. Offensively, he hit .268 with 16 RBIs and 21 walks. 

Jerome's senior season was one to remember. He finished with a .384 batting average, a .456 slugging percentage, and a .497 on-base percentage. He also posted a career-high 48 hits on 125 at-bats, with 27 RBIs, 46 runs scored, and 35 stolen bases. In the field, he recorded an impressive .987 fielding percentage with 75 putouts and one assist. Ben's achievements that year earned him a spot in the 100-Hit Club and the single-season stolen base record at Nichols. 

Returning for a fifth year of eligibility in 2025, Jerome closed out his playing career on a high note—finishing with 70 hits and 45 runs. He also set the career stolen base record (83) and the career runs scored record (137), solidifying his place in Nichols' baseball history. 

His outstanding performance earned him multiple honors, including: 

• D3Baseball.com All-Region II Third Team 

• ABCA/Rawlings Division III All-Region II Third Team 

• Conference of New England (CNE) All-Conference First Team – Utility 

• CNE All-Conference Second Team – Outfield 

Jerome's success wasn't limited to the diamond. In 2024, he completed an internship with the Thunder Fund, a student investment initiative that brought together Nichols students and alumni to make real financial decisions with real money. He describes the project as "a unique, hands-on experience that combined collaboration and hard skills to simulate real-world financial scenarios." 

Now, after graduating, Ben has decided to return to Nichols to pursue his master's degree while continuing to play a crucial role with the Nichols baseball program. He emphasizes how valuable this opportunity is, saying that it allows him to continue growing both academically and professionally. 

"It's an opportunity to earn my master's while staying involved with the program that's given me so much," Ben says. "I believe in and respect Coach Mayo's coaching style and what he stands for." 

As a graduate assistant coach, Ben's goal is to use his experience as a former player to help current student-athletes learn and develop. He hopes to be a strong support system for them, both on and off the field. Having played for five years, he understands firsthand how college athletics can impact a student-athlete mentally and physically. 

Ben explains that one of the most valuable lessons he learned as a player was the importance of resilience. "The baseball season is long — over 40 games — and there are always going to be struggles," he says. "It's important to stay the course and understand that pushing through challenges is the mindset every athlete needs." 

Sophomore outfielder Ryan Keating, who had the opportunity to play alongside Ben, reflected on the impact he's had both as a teammate and a coach. "Ben has had a huge influence on my development as a player," Keating shared. "Watching his success firsthand inspired me to become a better teammate and a stronger athlete. Now, as a coach, he continues to bring that same energy and leadership through his communication and patience." 

After completing his two-year masters program, Ben plans to continue his career in sports, particularly in athletic administration. He's drawn to the operational side of athletics and appreciates how this graduate assistant position has given him insight into the many moving parts required for a team to function successfully. 

Through this hands-on coaching opportunity, Ben has also been able to apply his finance background to assist with fundraising and other financial services within the program. He values the teamwork behind the scenes that makes college athletics possible. 

"There are so many people working hard to make sure teams can perform at their best," he says. "Seeing that side of it has made me realize I want to be part of that process — helping programs grow and succeed."