Nick Kolze Season 2026

2025 / AS A JUNIOR
• Academic All-Big Ten
• Pitched in nine games, all in relief
• Worked two innings of one-hit relief vs. Michigan in his Alexander Field debut, his most effective outing of the season
• Pitched a season-high three innings of relief in the final of the UCLA series
• Tossed an inning of relief in the walk-off win vs. Arizona State in midweek action
• Also pitched in Big Ten games vs. Rutgers and Penn State
• Worked a scoreless inning of relief in his team debut, helping Purdue complete a season-opening sweep of Stephen F. Austin
• Gave Purdue five outs in the midweek home game vs. Indiana State
• Missed about a month of the season from late February to mid-March due to illness
• Did not pitch during the final month of the season but returned to action with a strong showing in summer ball
• For the Lima Locos of the Great Lakes League, went 4-0 with a 2.02 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 22 strikeouts in 26 2/3 innings
• Helped Team Madia win both semesters of the team’s Academic Bowl challenge

BEFORE PURDUE
• Made 13 starts in his lone season at Heartland College in Bloomington, Illinois
• Helped Heartland post a 43-18 record and qualify for the 2024 NJCAA DII World Series
• Racked up 68 strikeouts in 56 2/3 innings (10.8 K/9), starting an NJCAA World Series game vs. Des Moines Area JC
• Struck out nine over six scoreless innings in at win at Spoon River College
• Played at Xavier University during the 2023 season, pitching in five games
• Pitched for the Albany Dutchmen of the Perfect Game Collegiate League (of New York) in the summer of 2023
• All-Academic as well as a Dean’s List student all four semesters prior to enrolling at Purdue

HIGH SCHOOL
• Three-year letterwinner for coach Michael Skroch at Romeoville High School in the southwest suburbs of Chicago
• Two-time all-region honoree as an upperclassman
• Three-time all-conference honoree
• Two-way standout was ranked as Illinois’ No. 1 first baseman in his class by Perfect Game
• Three-year all-academic student-athlete
• National Honor Society
• Played travel ball for Rhino Baseball

PERSONAL
• Major: Communication
• Full name is Nicholas Michael Kolze
• Born in Romeoville, Illinois
• Parents are Michael and June Kolze
• Family also includes siblings Harrison and Julia
• Brother plays baseball at Joliet Junior College

Purdue Personal Preferences
Favorite Pro Team: Chicago Bears
Traditionally Roots Against: Green Bay Packers
Favorite Athlete: Bryce Harper
Had the Biggest Impact on His Athletic Career: Michael Kolze, Father
Favorite Marquee Sporting Events: March Madness & College World Series
Favorite Pro Stadium: Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas Raiders)
Favorite Field He’s Played at (Besides Alexander): Charles Schwab Field Omaha
Toughest Hitter for Him to Face Among Teammates: Avery Moore
Current MLB Hitter He’d Like to Face: Jose Altuve
Funniest Teammate: Brandon Rogers
Current Teammate with the Best Baseball Instincts: Camden Gasser
Purdue Staff Member He Enjoys Strongest Connection With: Josh Newman
In His Favorite Playlist: Drake
Would Love to See Play Purdue: Gunna
Favorite Multi-Media App: Instagram
Favorite Sci-Fi Series: Star Wars
Show He Can’t Stop Watching: Entourage
Favorite Video Game: Call of Duty Black Ops 2
Favorite Month: July
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Pick One – Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner: Dinner
Favorite Food: Chipotle Bowl
Favorite Dessert: Cheesecake
Favorite Outdoor Activity: Golf
Other Sports He Enjoys Playing: Golf & Basketball
Favorite Purdue Building: Mackey Arena
Favorite Big City: Chicago
Unique Travel Locale: Florida Keys
Country He’d Like to Visit: Italy
Pick One for a Vacation – Beach, Mountains or Road Trip: Mountains
Favorite Thing About Alexander Field: How big it is
Top Sports Moment Prior to Purdue: Walk-off in the Supers to Advance to JUCO World Series
Furry Friend: Chloe, Black Lab