Gators standout commits to Nunez

Ever since he was a young boy, Nick Brunet had a dream — to play college baseball.

Through hard work, dedication, God-given ability and exceptional play, that dream will come true this time next spring.

The South Terrebonne senior standout announced recently that he’s verbally committed to Nunez Community College — an upstart, quickly growing two-year school in Chalmette that aims to feed its players to four-year universities at the end of their eligibility.

Brunet said the opportunity is a blessing — one he said he will not take for granted.

The senior plans to officially sign his National Letter of Intent in the coming weeks at a ceremony on campus.

“I am honored and excited to have an opportunity to continue playing the game that I love,” Brunet said. “It has been a dream of mine to play college baseball since I was a kid. In the past few years, I have put in a lot of hard work for this opportunity and it’s truly a dream come true.”

Brunet earned his way to the next level with determination to his craft.

He’s a multi-year letter winner for the Gators — a guy who’s played literally all over the diamond for the Gators throughout his career.

South Terrebonne baseball coach Mike Barba took over the program four years ago. He arrived when Nick was a freshman.

Barba said the standout helped set the tone and establish the program that he and the Gators wanted to build — one where the team excels both on and off the field.

Brunet is an exceptional student, in addition to his athletic successes.

Barba called the student-athlete the consummate senior leader.

“We have grown this program together with the rest of our seniors,” Barba said of Brunet. “Nick has bought in to our identity and what it takes to play on a high level consistently. He is a leader in the classroom and on the field. It’s not a surprise that he will have the chance to play on the next level. His work ethic will allow him to play baseball as long as he wants.”

For Brunet, the path to Nunez was paved with careful research and consideration.

He said he’s received interest from several schools around the Southeast and also a scholarship offer from a program in North Carolina.

But he visited Nunez with his own eyes, taking in a ballgame earlier this season. He said after visiting with coach Glenn Powell, he wanted to be a member of the Pelicans, adding that there were several factors that went into his decision.

Brunet said Powell told him that he will likely be a first baseman at the next level, but Brunet also added that he would be “willing to play all over the field” if he had to in order to help the team win.

“Nunez was just a great fit for me,” Brunet said. “After talking with Coach Powell, attending a game and touring the campus, it is a great opportunity to come in and have a chance to play from day one. And it’s also a bonus that Nunez is close to home.”

But while Brunet is proud of his spot at the next level, he also wants it to be known that he has unfinished business at South Terrebonne.

The Gators are currently 11-9 overall and the No. 9 team in the state in Class 4A.

They’re battle tested with several quality wins. They also are the only local team to challenge powerhouse E.D. White, falling to the Cardinals in two, close and hard-fought games.

Brunet said throughout his career in Bourg, the Gators have made the playoffs — even making it to the second round in some of those seasons.

This year, Brunet said, the team wants to break the ice and take it even further than that.

“This year, we definitely want to host a second-round playoff game,” Brunet said. “The goal has always been to make it to Sulphur. As Coach Barba always says, ‘Play in May.’”

The Gators return to play this week with a two-game series against South Lafourche. They travel to the Tarpons on Thursday and host them on Saturday afternoon.

Nicholas BrunetCOURTESY

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