Nolan heading to Northeast Jr. College in Colorado

LIBERTY - At Liberty High School, Kaden Nolan was a three-sport athlete, where the 2022 graduate played baseball, football, and basketball for the Panthers.

Nolan was on the varsity all four years for the baseball program and now will get his chance at the next level by heading to Northeast Junior College in Sterling, Colorado. A hurt shoulder has plagued Nolan for the past year.

Still, thanks to a lot of physical therapy and playing in a collegiate baseball league this past summer, the Plainsmen awarded Nolan a half scholarship.

“The hard work seems to have paid off and I am looking forward to playing baseball at the next level,” said Nolan. “They scouted me this summer and I like the school and the facilities they have.”

Nolan also played three years on the varsity football and basketball teams at Liberty, but baseball was his sport of choice.

One of Nolan’s best memories while playing for Head Coach Robb Kirkland was when he was a freshman and the Panthers played Little Cypress Mauriceville in the opening round of the playoffs. After dropping game one at home, the Panthers won game two at LC-M and then won game three and the series winner in 11 innings.

Nolan was a huge part of the win as a freshman by hitting a double to tie the game up while also pitching six innings.

“That was a huge boost for my confidence,” said Nolan. “That game really helped me get my high school career going.”

Nolan finished second-team all-district that year and was named to the first-team all-district list as a junior and senior. His sophomore year was the shortened Covid season.

Because of his shoulder injury, Nolan has had to concentrate on just playing shortstop in college. “I am going to start throwing again this week,” added Nolan. “This summer has been hitting and fielding.”

Nolan leaves for Colorado on August 16 and plans to major in Computer Science with a minor in Business Management.