Continued Prayers & Support for Billy Nicholas

Our beloved Billy is still in the throes of his intense battle with Covid Pneumonia, and the support of his loving community is needed now more than ever. A wonderful son, grandson, brother, nephew, uncle, friend, coach, and adored fiance to the beautiful Briana. Instead of moving into their first house they had just closed on and celebrating their September wedding, Billy’s current reality is a far stretch from what should have been the joyous countdown. 

After trying to battle this at home, his oxygen wasn’t holding up and he was hospitalized on 8/31, hoping to only be in for a short period, and be well for the wedding. It was a bit tough at first, but things were looking up and he was starting to sound like himself again around 9/10. Unfortunately, 9/13 he took a bit of a dip, his oxygen just wasn’t making its way through his body properly so he was brought down to the ICU. Thankfully so, because early the next morning he needed to be put on the ventilator. 

Blessed that Billy was so loved, that phone call after call was made to find Billy a bed at a hospital that treated with ECMO. Miraculously, a bed opened up at Missouri Baptist and he was transferred that night. At present time, Billy is progressing well enough that this treatment is only on standby, though he is still fighting and breathing with medical assistance.

We believe in the power of prayer, and we know Billy is aware of all the prayers and love coming from the many, many people in his life also fighting for his recovery. Born premature, Billy has always been a fighter and is no stranger to earnest hard work and commitment to being brave. He has gone above and beyond for his one-day, growing family. He has never let anything come between him and his dreams and goals, naturally becoming a mentor by exemplifying what It means to strive to be better in his day-to-day actions and of course, as shown within his decorated coaching career.

 

For those unaware, Billy has been the Women’s Rugby Head Coach at Lindenwood University since August 2014. His impressive bio below:

 

Nicholas spent several years teaching in the South Bronx, NY, and serving as an athletic director. During his tenure as a teacher, he was also the head coach of boys and girls high school programs, winning three NYC PSAL 7's championships in a row, with over 63 consecutive victories. He coached the Empire Select U19 team to a second place All-Star finish and the 2014 Play Rugby USA girls to a New York state 15's championship. During this period, Nicholas was a member of Old Blue RFC and played 15's and 7's in New York City for two years, where he attributes the majority of his rugby experience and learning.

 

Nicholas was a coach with the 2014 inaugural Old Blue Women’s RFC 7's team that finished first in the Northeast Region and finished second in the nation for Women’s Club 7's. He has been a coach with APEX Academy based out of Summit, Colo., and he was a coach of the Atlantis team, one of the more elite 7's programs in the history of rugby. He led the Atlantis U19 squad and other women’s teams to top finishes in NYC 7's, Vegas 7's and Tobago 7's tournaments. Nicholas has spent professional development time working with the USA Women’s 7's Eagles at the Olympic Training Center and at the American Rugby Pro Training Center ODA in Little Rock, Ark. He was named one of the 2014 USA Rugby Coaches of the Year at the National Development Summit in Philadelphia, PA.

 

In his first season at Lindenwood University, he led the program to its first Elite 8 appearance in 15's and a national second place finish at the Spring 7's Collegiate Rugby Championships. He graduated with honors from State University of New York at Cortland in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and earned a Master of Science degree in Health Education there in 2009.

 

The accolades above are just a glimpse of his accomplishments; the reach of his passion, compassion, and natural coaching talents — immeasurable to summarize here. It’s now our turn to be the cheerleaders for everyone’s favorite Coach Billy.

 

The road ahead for Billy and Briana will be long, but doesn’t have to be dark. If anyone feels inclined, we graciously invite you to contribute any financial assistance to help with the heavy medical care, and future rehab costs. We are so grateful for Billy’s village... Now, let’s get him home to his beautiful fiance, and back in the game! Thank you.