DUDLEY, Mass. (6/3/2026) – The Nichols College Division of Athletics, and Director of Athletics Kristan Mallet, has announced the hiring of
Brian Claypool as the 18
th head coach in the history of the Nichols College softball program.
Claypool brings more than 25 years of collegiate coaching experience to The Hill, including head coaching stops at Anna Maria College, Rhode Island College, the College of the Holy Cross, Hartwick College, and MCLA, along with Division I assistant coaching experience at UMass Lowell and Towson University.
"We are excited to welcome Brian to Nichols College," said Director of Athletics Kristan Mallet. "His experience across all levels of collegiate softball, commitment to student-athlete development, and proven ability to build successful programs make him an outstanding fit for our department."
Most recently, Claypool served as head coach at Anna Maria College, where he helped improve the team's offensive production and overall culture during the 2025-26 season. The AMCATS raised their team batting average from .227 to .274, increased their home run total from two to 14, and improved their stolen base total from five to 46.
Prior to Anna Maria, Claypool spent four seasons as the hitting and data analytics coach at UMass Lowell. During his tenure, the River Hawks recorded the program's highest Division I win total, reached the America East Championship Game in 2024, and led the conference in batting average and runs per game in 2022. He also coached multiple All-Conference performers, and helped implement advanced analytics tools including Synergy, Blast, and GoRout.
Claypool previously served as head coach at Rhode Island College from 2018-21, where he guided the Anchorwomen to major offensive improvements and helped the program achieve a 3.52 team GPA in 2021. He also spent nine seasons leading the Holy Cross softball program, earning Patriot League Coach of the Year honors in 2011 while guiding the Crusaders to their first Patriot League Tournament appearance in a decade.
Throughout his career, Claypool has coached numerous All-Conference and All-Region student-athletes while emphasizing academic success and player development.
"I'm truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the Bison softball program, and I want to thank Director of Athletics Kristan Mallet and the search committee for their trust in me," said Claypool. "From the moment I stepped on campus, it was clear that Nichols College is a place that values hard work, competitive excellence, and strong community - everything I believe in as a coach. I'm looking forward to building meaningful relationships with our student-athletes and creating a culture centered on toughness, accountability, and growth both on and off the field."
Claypool earned a Master of Education in Athletic Counseling from Springfield College and a bachelor's degree in psychology from the College of Wooster.
