Pearl River Brings Back Former Player As Coach

Pearl River’s baseball team has finished its coaching staff changes ahead of the 2026 campaign with the addition of former Wildcat star Triston Hickman. Hickman will be working with the team’s catchers and hitters, as well as helping with recruiting.

Hickman was a Wildcat for two seasons in 2022-23, racking up 19 at-bats with three walks and two RBIs as a freshman. He helped aid the team’s run to MACCC, Region 23 and National Championship victories.

Although his first season was a good one, his sophomore season was when he really broke out. After earning his sport as the full-time designated hitter, Hickman recorded a .389 batting average with a .544 on-base percentage and a .713 slugging percentage. His nine doubles, eight home runs and 33 RBIs helped earn him a Second Team All-MAC selection at the end of the season.

Head coach Michael Avalon is excited to add his former player to the coaching staff.

“We’re excited to welcome Triston Hickman back to The River,” he said. “Anytime you add a former player to your staff, it’s a win. They understand the standard, the culture and what it takes to succeed here. Tristan embodies all of that.”

Pearl River will enter the 2026 season looking for redemption after finishing as national runners-up in 2025, after losing the NJCAA Division II National Championship.

Author administrator Kellen Walker