MILDURA baseball prodigy Noah Nichols is off to the US to live out his dream of being a college athlete.
After an efficient outing in August representing the Aussie Drop Bears at the Babe Ruth Series in Missouri, the 18-year-old was approached by scouts from Porterville College, who invited him to play for the Pirates in the upcoming season.
At the Babe Ruth Series, the utility finished with a batting average of .714 and fielding average of .100 on his way to being named MVP for the Australian team.
Nichols, who prides himself on his ability to find gaps as a batter and play anywhere as a fielder, will fly to California on January 13.
“It’s like a dream come true,” he said.
“I’ve wanted to go to college for as long as I can remember, and it’s just cool that it’s finally the start of my journey.
“It feels like the start of my life is coming together.”
While he wasn’t sure what he would study just yet, Nichols said he planned on at least four years abroad.
“It’ll be a minimum of two years and then I hope to move on to a four-year college and then into professional baseball, that’s sort of my plan,” he said.
“I’ve been looking at personal training or law … but I’ll sort that out once I get over there.”
Nichols said he’d be living with two Americans, but hadn’t met them yet.
“It’s a bit nerve-racking … but I’m excited to challenge myself and experience the college life,” he said.
The former Mildura Eagles player said his past few months had consisted of spending time in the gym and honing his eating habits as he prepares for the life of an athlete.
“I’ve been flat out in the gym, trying to eat and put on a bit of size to match the Americans … maintaining and improving my fitness as well,” Nichols said.
Once over in the US, it will only be a matter of weeks before the Pirates’ first game of the season, which will be played away from home against Cabrillo on January 30.
