July 2, 2025
A lifelong love of baseball led to Diamondhead native Noah Nicaud attending Pearl River Community College, where his journey began the power of passion and perseverance. As Senior Attorney in the Policy and Research Division of the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office, Nicaud draws upon lessons learned on and off the field while attending The River.
Nicaud’s connection to PRCC began years earlier when he attended baseball games with his father and developed his skills at baseball camps. The connection initially sprouted from his father’s friendship with former head coach Jay Artigues (2002-2005) and his brother, Ronnie Artigues. He continued to take hitting lessons with Zack Zulli and attended camps with Coach Josh Hoffpauir (2010-2016) and Coach Kyle Lindsey (assistant coach 2010-2016).
“A number of guys I grew up watching play baseball at Stanislaus went on to play at Pearl River,” said Nicaud. “It really became a full circle thing with Coach Hoffpauir offering me the opportunity to play there (Coach Artigues was there for my visit). I am forever grateful to him for that opportunity.”
Nicaud came to Pearl River after graduating from St. Stanislaus in 2015. Beyond playing baseball, he was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and attended Fellowship of Christian Athletes meetings. Off the field, he excelled academically, earning multiple scholarships, making the Dean’s List, and being named an NJCAA Academic All-American. He made MACJC Academic All-State in 2016, with the baseball team recognized as the All-State Academic Team of the Year.
Pearl River became a special place for Nicaud, particularly focused around his relationships with other members of the baseball team.
“Going from weights, to class, to practice, and on the road for games — it is hard to describe the bond that we created there,” said Nicaud. “I believe every single one of us would tell you we wished it were a four-year school. Being close to home, my parents were able to continue watching me play. That meant a lot to me as they had sacrificed so much, taking me all over the place to play growing up.”
His sophomore year saw a transition in leadership with Coach Michael Avalon taking over for Hoffpauir. He fondly recalls the impact Coach Avalon had, inspiring him and his teammates to strive for greatness and teaching lessons that will be carried with them forever. One memorable moment was during a conference doubleheader against Northeast Community College.
“I was hitting during a crucial moment in the game…I missed a sign on the first pitch and whiffed bunt attempt, next pitch I took a fastball right down the middle, and I hear “time blue” and turn to see Avi walking out of the dugout,” said Nicaud. “I think ‘Great he is about to chew me a new one.’ He says, ‘Do you believe in yourself right here?’ and before I could even hesitate or muster up an answer, he goes ’Because I sure do.’ That moment is something I will never forget. I ended up squeezing a two RBI double down the first base line and we swept them and got off to an 8-0 start in league play.
“If he picked up the phone right now and asked me to run through a wall I would respond ‘show me the wall.’ I can’t say enough good things about that guy. I am so proud to say I played for him and the coaching staff with Rhyne Hughes, Anthony Izzio, and Kyle Dolan.
Baseball Coach Michael Avalon remembers Nicaud as a model student-athlete.
“Noah embodies what we desire in a student-athlete at Pearl River,” said Avalon. “He is a great example of ‘taking pride in all that you do.’ Noah showed up every day to be his best athletically, academically, socially, and morally. He was a joy to coach.”
In 2017, Nicaud graduated with an Associate Degree in Arts. He transferred to the University of Mississippi, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and General Business in 2019. He then earned his Juris Doctor degree from Mississippi College School of Law in 2023.
While in law school, Nicaud interned at the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office. After graduation and passing the Mississippi Bar, he transitioned to a full-time role, currently serving as the Senior Attorney in the Policy and Research Division. He assists in drafting legislation, conducts legal research on proposed legislation nationwide that could impact Mississippi, handles all public records requests received by the agency, and assists all divisions with legal research/drafting legal documents.
In July, Nicaud will switch gears when he serves as Corporate Associate Attorney for Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance in Ridgeland, MS.
Nicaud and his wife Kolby reside in Jackson with their miniature long-haired dachshund named Scotty. They are members of St. Richard Catholic Church, playing on a church league basketball team in the First Baptist Jackson League. Like many athletes, Nicaud has transitioned to playing golf as a member of the Country Club of Jackson. They also seek out opportunities to volunteer. Past efforts include hurricane cleanup on the coast, March for Life in Washington, D.C., and assisting with the Special Olympics at Oxford High School while Nicaud attended Ole Miss.
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), Facebook (@PRCCMKTG), and TikTok (@prcc_wildcats).
Article by Laura O’Neill. Photos supplied by Noah Nicaud.
