Dr. Nicole Bernsen

Biography

Dr. Nicole Bernsen was hired by Alfred University as the Director of Rugby and Women's Rugby Head Coach on May 19, 2023. Prior to AU, Bernsen spent three years as the Associate Director for Athletics Academic Services and Senior Woman Administrator at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). While at UAF, Bernsen provided academic support to prospective and current student-athletes across 10 varsity programs, coordinated tutorial services and other learning support, and provided workshops to aid in the improvement of student-athletes' study habits, academic skills, and personal growth. Before UAF, Bernsen served as the Education Director for the American Collegiate Rugby Association in Dover, Delaware where she implemented and directed educational professional development initiatives. In 2020, Bernsen served as the rugby select side assistant coach at the Pacific Northwest Rugby Football Union in Seattle, Washington. Bernsen was the head rugby coach for the University of Maine from January of 2017 to May of 2020. Under her leadership, UMaine qualified for the postseason each year. She established competition in sevens rugby as well as initiated the team's strength and conditioning program. Bernsen coached six Academic All-Americans while leading the team to a Division II Women's Collegiate Ranking of ninth in fifteens and third in sevens rugby. Her team won the New England Continental Bowl in the Fall of 2017. Prior to the University of Maine, Bernsen spent a year at the Uni