Nicholls State University Announces 2025 Hall of Fame Class and Hall of Distinction Honorees

Strategic Insights -

Nicholls State University has announced its 2025 Hall of Fame class and Hall of Distinction honorees, recognizing six individuals for their outstanding contributions to the university's athletic program. The Hall of Fame class includes Stephanie Barnett (women's tennis, 2014-19), James Bergeron (baseball, 1970-73), Kali Clement (softball, 2018-19), Chase Fourcade (football, 2016-19), Sully Laiche (2016-19), and Matt Roan (athletics director, 2016-2020). The athletic department has also revealed the newest members of the Hall of Distinction, including Trey Boucvalt, Amelie Talbot, and Stephen Watson.

Key Takeaways:

  • Stephanie Barnett was a decorated tennis player, earning Southland Conference and LSWA Player of the Year, SLC Student-Athlete of the Year, and All-Southland First Team in both singles and doubles in 2015. She also posted a 64-20 mark in singles and 72 matches played on the No. 1 line.
  • James Bergeron lettered four years as a catcher for the Colonel baseball team, earning All-Gulf South selection and AACBC Collegiate All-America Team honors. He posted a .290 career batting average, with a career-high .301 average in 1972.
  • Kali Clement excelled in her two seasons with the Colonel softball team, earning All-Southland, All-Louisiana, and Southland All-Academic honors. She left Nicholls ranked third all-time in slugging percentage, eighth in batting average, and 12th in home runs.
  • Chase Fourcade started at quarterback all four of his seasons and left Nicholls as the school's all-time leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns, completion percentage, total yards, and rushing touchdowns. He was named SLC Player of the Year in 2018 and SLC Offensive Player of the Year in 2019.
  • Sully Laiche was a dominant force on the defensive line, finishing second all-time in the Southland with 37.5 sacks and 62 tackles for loss. He was named All-Southland all four seasons and won the Southland Player of the Year award in his final campaign.
  • Matt Roan served as the athletics director at Nicholls from 2016-20, leading the Colonels to their highest finish in the Director's Cup in 20 years and securing several facility renovations.
  • Trey Boucvalt donated $2.52 million to fund the construction of the Boucvalt Athletic Complex, which serves as the football program's operations facility.
  • Amelie Talbot spent over 30 years working with the football program as its secretary, touching the lives of generations of football student-athletes, coaches, and fans.
  • Stephen Watson is the current CEO/President of The National World War II Museum in New Orleans and has served as a consultant on fundraising for Nicholls Athletics.

Statistics:

  • Stephanie Barnett posted a 64-20 mark in singles and 72 matches played on the No. 1 line.
  • James Bergeron lettered four years as a catcher for the Colonel baseball team and posted a .290 career batting average.
  • Kali Clement left Nicholls ranked third all-time in slugging percentage, eighth in batting average, and 12th in home runs.
  • Chase Fourcade completed his career with 3,589 yards of offense, including a single-season record 67.8 completion percentage.
  • Sully Laiche finished second all-time in the Southland with 37.5 sacks and 62 tackles for loss.
  • Matt Roan led the Colonels to their highest finish in the Director's Cup in 20 years and secured several facility renovations.
  • Trey Boucvalt donated $2.52 million to fund the construction of the Boucvalt Athletic Complex.

Sources:

  • Nicholls State University Department of Athletics, "Nicholls Names 2025 Hall of Fame Class and Hall of Distinction Honorees"
  • The Advocate, "Nicholls State University names its 2025 Hall of Fame class"
  • The Times-Picayune, "Nicholls State University inducts 2025 Hall of Fame class, recognizes new members of Hall of Distinction"