by Emilia Farrell ‘28 on November 13, 2025
Sports
When you go to the Amica Mutual Pavilion to see a Providence College men’s basketball game, you are there to see the Friars on the court, but you may also notice the presence of many of PC’s Dominican friars in attendance off the court. Father Mark Nowel, O.P., in his 11th season as the men’s basketball team chaplain, serves as an integral part of the team throughout the year. He acts as a resource for the team in this role, praying with them before and after each game, traveling with them when possible, praying for them each day, holding Mass during Sunday away games, and just generally being available for questions and support for the players.
Fr. Nowel describes his relationship with head coach Kim English as “reciprocal leadership support,” as both men uplift the other in their respective work with the team. Fr. Nowel praises English’s ability to connect with his players. As English is a devout Catholic, Fr. Nowel notes that faith and integrity are key strengths that English brings to the team every day. Players most often come to Fr. Nowel to talk about more than basketball; he says they are often also looking for guidance on their life and future.
Beyond his work as team chaplain, Fr. Nowel is quite busy as he is also a professor of biology, associate provost for academic policy and mission support, chaplain of Mal Brown Hall, and serves as a priest both on and off campus. He sees all of his different roles at PC as a balance, never a stressor in his life. When I asked what the most rewarding part of being the team chaplain is, Fr. Nowel said, “It’s a different kind of joy. Like when I teach my non-major biology course and I am able to see a student have an ‘aha’ moment, seeing that they understand it. It is the same thing when someone on the team asks a question like ‘why do Catholics respect the Eucharist’ and being able to help them see something that they might not have thought of before.”
The success of the men’s basketball team undoubtedly means a lot to students at PC, and Fr. Nowel agrees: “Students and faculty love PC and take justifiable pride in the success of the students and also in the wider community recognizing the success and good sportsmanship of our athletic teams.” Fr. Nowel’s presence at the games is a reminder that Friar basketball is about much more than wins and losses. It’s about faith, friendship, and the shared belief that every member of the Providence College community has a role to play in something greater than themselves. Through his guidance, the team finds strength not only in their game, but in the same values that have shaped generations of Friars.