Fan of the Week: Nikki Atkinson

Nikki Atkinson is a fifth-year Mercer student as well as an avid Mercer Bears fan. She enjoys watching and supporting Mercer athletics and has since her freshman year. Attending and cheering at Mercer sporting events has been a large part of Atkinson’s college career.

In her first four years at Mercer, she was a member of the Mercer Women’s Soccer Team and was a part of several successful seasons while on the team.

In her senior season, the team went 10-8-3 and made it to the conference semifinals. In both her junior and sophomore seasons, the team got second in conference, losing in the championship. In her freshman season, the team won the Atlantic Sun Conference Championship and made it to the first round of the Women’s College Cup.

Atkinson is a Peachtree City native and chose Mercer not only for its sports but also for other aspects it has to offer.

“I chose Mercer because it is well known for having great academics,” Atkinson said. “I knew I wanted study math, and the math department at Mercer has always been very strong.”

Along with her academics, cheering for and supporting the athletic teams on campus have been a huge part of Atkinson’s time at Mercer.

“Being a Mercer Bear is more than just being a player on the field or a fan in the stands,” said Atkinson. “It’s a community of people brought together by the success of great academics, athletics and character. There is nothing I would rather be than a Mercer Bear.”

Atkinson’s favorite sport to play is soccer, and she has been playing since a young age and has continued throughout college. Rightfully so, Atkinson admits that the Mercer Women’s Soccer Team is her favorite team on campus.

Atkinson was proud of the women’s team as they won the Southern Conference Championship in its first year as members. She is excited to see the team and program continue to grow and succeed.

Although her time at Mercer has been filled with wonderful memories, Atkinson reveals that her favorite memory has nothing to do with soccer.

“My favorite memory as a Mercer Bear was when I watched the Bears beat Duke with hundreds of people in Mercer Village,” said Atkinson. “I really enjoy watching basketball, and this game was great to watch.”

Head Football Coach Bobby Lamb is Atkinson’s favorite coach in the Athletic Department.

“He is my favorite because he tells the best jokes, and he is the least intimidating,” Atkinson said. “Coach Lamb is definitely the easiest coach to talk to.”

Football player Tony Perella is Atkinson’s favorite Mercer Athlete.

“He’s a great guy and never fails to make people smile,” said Atkinson.

Atkinson’s favorite part about supporting Mercer Athletics is the relationships and friendships that she has formed as a result. She respects the fact that the athletes genuinely want the other programs to do well.

“I support Mercer athletics because all of the athletes really support and cheer for each other,” said Atkinson.