Nolan Gillis, a solid right-handed pitcher/outfielder, saw a unique opportunity when Kimball Union Academy coach Chad Sturgeon extended a request for Gillis to tour the Meriden, N.H., campus in 2024.
Having attended Keene (NH) High School, Gillis, now a senior, came to KUA after deciding to reclassify as a junior. The jump from Keene to KUA turned out to be a blessing in disguise. After meeting with Sturgeon, Gillis felt KUA was the right fit for him. A commuter student, Gillis makes the hour-long drive north from Surry, N.H.
"Coach Sturgeon's desire to see his players progress and his desire to win were huge factors for me,'' Gillis said. "I was coming off an injury and wanted to make up for a lost year. Seeing the academic benefits of the school, including its amazing support system and a shifting schedule of shorter classes, was immediately appealing. The Barn Field House, which is a first-class indoor turf facility, was another piece that led to my decision.''
Serving as assistant coach with the Wildcats for four seasons, Sturgeon took over the top post in 2024 after 13-year head coach Mike Van Dolah departed for Westminster School. A Delaware native, Sturgeon was a righty pitcher at Delaware State University. Sturgeon has played a role in fine-tuning Gillis' on-field development, especially from a pitching perspective.
