Nolan's road leads to 'blessing' at Morningside
Cade Nolan’s road to Morningside started more than 1,500 miles away in Menifee, California, a state known for its year-round baseball and deep competition. Leaving that environment for Sioux City meant stepping into something unfamiliar, but it’s a move that ultimately shaped his collegiate career.
By Gabe Schreck, Athletic Communications Student Assistant
Cade Nolan's road to Morningside began more than 1,500 miles away in Menifee, California, a state known for year-round baseball and deep competition. Leaving that environment for Sioux City meant stepping into something unfamiliar, but it's a move that ultimately shaped his collegiate career.
Now a senior, Nolan has become a steady presence on the mound for the Mustangs. During the 2025 season, he went 6-3, emerging as one of the team's reliable options, and he's carried that consistency into this year with meaningful innings in the rotation.
His success reflects more than individual ability. It's tied to a team culture built on trust and collective effort.
"These guys love being together," head coach Adam Boeve said. "There is a certain energy to the way they go about their daily work."
That energy has played a role in Nolan's development, especially as someone who had to adjust to a new environment. The move from California to the Midwest brought changes in weather, pace and competition, but also an opportunity to grow.
"I believe I handled the transition very well," Nolan said. "Playing baseball here at Morningside was a blessing, and the group of guys I got to connect with day in and day out made it easy. The only hard adjustment was the weather. I really didn't understand what the cold was."
Part of that growth has come from understanding his role within the team. While pitching can feel individual, Nolan has embraced the idea that success is shared across the staff.
"I know that if I don't have a good start, next game we're putting our next best guy out there," Nolan said. "I fully believe that."
Now in his final season, Nolan's focus has shifted to leadership and setting an example.
"As a senior, I just want to show how you should go about each day and hopefully influence the guys around me," Nolan said.
As his final year continues, Nolan's journey from Menifee to Morningside reflects the value of taking a chance. In doing so, he's become a key piece of the Mustangs' pitching staff and part of a team built on connection, trust and a shared purpose.