Relentless off the Edge: The Marauder Career of All-American DE Nikia Parson

When the University of Mary defense needed a play in the late 1990s and early 2000s, one name was never far from the action: Nikia Parson.

An All-American and three-time all-conference selection, Parson was a dominant defensive force on three NAIA playoff teams and two conference championship squads, including the legendary 1999 national semifinalists. From the moment he arrived, he made life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.

From Gary, Indiana to Bismarck

Parson grew up in Gary, Indiana, and graduated from William Wirt High School. After starting his college career at Mendocino Community College, he transferred to the University of Mary and made an immediate impact on the defensive line.

In 1999, his first season in orange and blue, he stepped right into a loaded Marauders defense and helped power one of the greatest teams in program history.

1999: Making Noise on a Final Four Team

As a sophomore in 1999, Parson’s blend of power and quickness instantly showed up in the stat sheet:

• 6 sacks
• 2 fumble recoveries
• Earned All-North Dakota College Athletic Conference (NDCAC) Second Team honors

That production helped fuel a season to remember:

• The Marauders finished 11–2 overall
• Claimed the NDCAC title
• Advanced to the NAIA semifinals

On a team that outscored opponents and suffocated offenses, Parson was a key disruptor up front.

2000: Wreaking Havoc in the Backfield

If 1999 was a strong debut, 2000 was Parson’s national coming-out party.

As a junior, he turned in one of the top pass-rushing seasons in UMary history:

• 13 sacks – the third-highest single-season total in school history
• Constant presence in the backfield, collapsing pockets and forcing offenses to adjust

For his efforts, he earned:

• Don Hansen Honorable Mention All-American recognition
• Dakota Athletic Conference (DAC-10) First Team All-League honors

Mary once again returned to the NAIA playoffs, with Parson a cornerstone of the defense.

2001: All-American, Captain, and Undefeated Regular Season

Parson’s senior season in 2001 was the culmination of everything he’d built over his Marauder career.

That year:

• Named a team captain
• Helped lead UMary to a 9–0 undefeated regular season
• Won the school’s first DAC-10 title
• Advanced to the NAIA playoffs for a third straight year

Individually, he reached the highest honors:

• NAIA First Team All-American
• Don Hansen Honorable Mention All-American (repeat recognition)
• DAC-10 First Team All-Conference for the second consecutive year

Parson wasn’t just a star—he was a leader on a team that expected to win every Saturday.

Etched in the Record Book

Even long after his last snap, Parson’s name remains prominent in the Marauders defensive record book:

• 6th all-time in career sacks – 20
• 7th all-time in tackles for loss – 27

Those numbers reflect more than talent; they represent years of consistent production and big plays in big moments.

Life After Football: Family and Leadership in Bismarck

The son of Samuel Custard and Lisa Parson, Nikia graduated from the University of Mary in 2002 with a degree in social and behavioral science.

Today, he continues to serve and lead in the Bismarck community:

• Works as the store manager for Encore Shoe Department in Bismarck, North Dakota
• Lives in Bismarck with his wife Lacey
• Together they are raising their children, Kashmere and Maijor

Just as he did on the field, Parson brings consistency, responsibility, and steady leadership to his work and family life.

A Standard for Marauder Defensive Linemen

For today’s Marauder defenders—especially those playing up front—Nikia Parson’s career is a benchmark:

• All-American recognition
• Three-time all-conference selection
• Key contributor on three playoff teams and two conference champions
• A constant disruptive force who changed games from the defensive line

His story is a reminder that great Marauders don’t just make plays—they leave a legacy of toughness, leadership, and excellence that future teams can build on.