Makayla Nichols headshot taken on February 10, 2025. (Stephen Galvin / University of South Florida Athletics)

Makayla Nichols

  • Title
    Senior Academic Coordinator for Football
  • Email
    mn24@usf.edu
  • Phone
    (813) 974-0301
Full Name  Makayla Nichols
Department Academic Services 
Position/Title Senior Academic Coordinator for Football
Month/Year started at USF February 2025
Summary of current role As the Senior Academic Coordinator for Football at the University of South Florida, Makayla provides academic support and guidance to football student-athletes, ensuring their success in the classroom and progress toward graduation. She works closely with coaches, faculty, and campus resources to develop academic plans, monitor eligibility, and create a supportive learning environment. Additionally, Makayla plays a key role in on-campus recruiting, serving as an academic advisor for prospective student-athletes during their visits.
Career History  Before joining USF, Makayla worked as the Football and Women’s Golf Academic Advisor at James Madison University from 2023 to 2025, where she provided academic guidance and support to student-athletes. Prior to that, she served as the Student-Athlete Enrichment Coordinator at South Carolina Upstate, focusing on leadership development, life skills programming, and academic success initiatives. Through these roles, Makayla gained extensive experience in student-athlete support, academic advising, and holistic development programs.
Educational History  Makayla earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Mount Olive University, where she was a collegiate student-athlete on the women’s basketball team. She then pursued a Master’s in Sport and Entertainment Management from the University of South Carolina, further deepening her expertise in athletics administration. Her educational background has provided her with a strong foundation in leadership, academic support, and student-athlete development.
Personal/Family info  DMV Native
Has a dog named Curtis