Nicholls Athletics announces major renovations to Stopher Gym

THIBODAUX, La. — The Nicholls State University Department of Athletics is pleased to announce several ongoing upgrades to Stopher Gymnasium, adding to both the student-athlete and Colonel fan experiences. These enhancements are made possible by a significant gift commitment recently made by the Thibodaux-based One Shining Moment Foundation.

Fans inside Stopher Gymnasium this season have seen all-new portable goals and Nevco LED scorers tables, and will soon see brand new premium courtside seating. However, the centerpiece of the improvements will be a new portable court. The court will be named in honor of Nicholls Hall of Fame men’s basketball head coach Rickey Broussard and will be publicly dedicated on January 27.

“These enhancements to our basketball and volleyball venue will make a positive impact on our student-athletes, coaches, and fans,” Director of Athletics Matt Roan said. “This is further proof of our commitment to making strides in improving our facilities every year, and we are excited to be able to announce additional plans in the near future with the continued support of the University, the Nicholls State University Foundation, and the community. We are beyond grateful to the One Shining Moment Foundation for their leadership and support of Nicholls Athletics and the local community. Additionally, we are thankful for the support of the City of Thibodaux and Mayor Eschete to make the court upgrade possible.”

“We are so proud to be able to place Coach Broussard’s name on the court,” Roan added. “Coach was incredibly successful during his tenure here and uplifted Nicholls, our department, and the basketball program. It’s our pleasure to honor him in this way.”

The One Shining Moment Foundation is a 501(C) 3 non-profit, serving sports and education-related initiatives in south Louisiana. Created by former Nicholls Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Quinn Strander and Nicholls basketball alumnus Brandon Ruttley, who serves as Executive Director, the foundation believes that Everyone Needs Some Time to Shine!

“Coach Broussard had a significant positive impact on countless lives during his time at Nicholls,” Ruttley said. “At the One Shining Moment Foundation, we believe there is no greater honor for a head coach than to have their home court named after them. We are extremely privileged to partner with Jeremy Becker (Executive Director of the Nicholls Foundation), Mayor Eschete, the Rispone Family and everyone at Nicholls to make the naming of Broussard Court a reality,”

This announced improvement is the latest of many facility enhancements as the Department of Athletics recently announced a significant renovation for the Colonel Softball Complex, which is becoming Swanner Field. This will include a new synthetic playing surface, as well as new dugouts, lighting, and bleachers. Within the past year, a new playing surface has been installed at the Colonel Tennis Complex; a new press tower, new grandstands, an elevator, a pedestrian bridge, and a synthetic turf infield were installed at Ben Meyer Diamond at Didier Field; and Manning Field at Guidry Stadium received significant upgrades in the form of a new turf playing surface, as well as an all-new video board.