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One of New South Wales’ most versatile young talents is headed to one of America’s most respected junior college programs. Ashton Kennedy, a genuine two-way threat who pitches and plays both outfield and first base, has committed to Connors State College in Oklahoma.

Kennedy comes through the Blacktown Workers and grew up in the Ryde junior system, rapidly rising through Australia’s high-performance pathways.

His résumé already includes a 2025 U18 National Championship, selection to Team Australia at the 2025 U18 World Cup, and a spot on the MLB Showcase Tour.

In fact, at the World Cup, Kennedy dominated. He hit .444 at the plate while tossing 4.1 shutout innings across three appearances, allowing just one hit and two walks. He won the Leading Hitter Award at the tournament.

On the mound, Kennedy brings a mature and modern pitch mix. He has a fastball with a natural arm-side run with late carry, a sweeper with big east-to-west movement, a sharp and sudden splitter and a sinker that features arm-side action with depth.

Add in his 6’4” frame, athleticism, and ability to contribute offensively, and it’s no surprise American programs showed strong interest.

“My biggest strengths are my work ethic, mental toughness, and the natural advantage that comes with being 6’4″,” Kennedy said. “I’m always reviewing my games, looking for small improvements. Offensively I make consistent contact, and I’m building on the power I bring both at the plate and on the mound. On the mound, I’m working toward having reliable strikeout stuff and doing a good job limiting traffic, which helps me stay calm in big moments.”

Kennedy will begin a Multidisciplinary Studies program in STEM, with long-term academic ambitions extending well beyond baseball.

“My goal is to complete degrees in Physiotherapy and Psychology at a four-year university,” he said.

At Connors State, he’ll be entering a storied program led by NJCAA Hall of Fame coach Perry Keith, known for producing four-year transfers and professional players at an elite rate.

“While I’m away, I want to develop as a complete player,” Kennedy said. “Getting 1% better each day might sound small, but it adds up. Coach Keith and his staff have so much experience, and being in a program with that history of success is an incredible opportunity. They’re excited to work with me as a two-way player, which I’m really looking forward to.”

Kennedy will also be blazing his own trail — he’ll be the only Australian in the program.

“No, there aren’t any Aussies there, but I’m excited about that,” he said. “Starting fresh in a program with no existing connections gives me the chance to step outside my comfort zone, grow, and really make my own path.”

Baseball Australia player development manager Andrew Riddell says it’s been incredible getting to know Ashton and his family over the last year of baseball adventures.

“After missing out on the U16 national squad a couple years ago, he dedicated his time to working on the things he needed to with a very detailed development plan and program,” says Riddell. “This showed at AYC in 2025 where we were all able to see a much more composed and deliberate pitcher who showed over-powering stuff.”

Riddell says the tools were on display at the U18 World Cup

“His growth in his maturity – both mentally and physically – meant he never gave up on what he wanted to do and he became a real asset for Team Australia especially in tournament-play with roster size limits.”

“He took his very detailed approach into the recruiting process and worked through a number of offers from nationally-ranked schools, including those that saw him on the MLB trip and others that saw his video and success on the world stage, before ultimately deciding that Connors State was the best fit for him. I think he is going to have and opportunity be a factor on both sides of the ball at a powerhouse program.”

Kennedy’s journey has been shaped by a long list of influences, from MLB veterans to family and local mentors.

He says two stand apart – a local teammate and his family.

“On a personal level, Lefty (Nathan Wright) has probably had the biggest impact — as my high-school and State League coach, he’s always given me honest feedback and real guidance. And honestly, it all started at home. My dad coached almost all my teams growing up, and with two older sisters who played, I had role models from the very beginning.”

A series of international tournaments also helped accelerate his development. He was one of the leading batters at the U18 World Cup. His strong performance earned him selection to the MLB World Select team in Arizona, where he tested himself against top global prospects.

Kennedy has already been named to a Sydney Blue Sox roster this season.

For Kennedy, the move to Connors State is the next logical step in a journey that has gathered momentum with every opportunity.

“I’ve been really fortunate to compete all over the world, and each tournament has prepared me for what comes next. Connors State feels like the perfect environment to keep growing and take my game to the next level.”

MORE COLLEGE STORIES

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• Hard throwing Queenslander Luka Moore locks in college commitment
• Team Australia U18 pitcher-catcher combo Riley Puckett and Cooper Teichmann commit to Galveston College
• From Blacktown to Texas: Ethan Bickel commits to North Central Texas College
• Team Australia U18 star pitcher Damien Wilson commits to New Mexico Junior College
• Team Australia U18 infielder commits to JUCO powerhouse Weatherford College

One of New South Wales’ brightest young right-handers is headed to one of the most respected junior college programs in the United States.

Lachlan Robinson, a national champion who plays his club baseball for the Blacktown Workers, has committed to Weatherford College in Texas — the same powerhouse program that Victorian infielder Will Hardy committed to last month.

Robinson will study General Studies/Education.

Weatherford has built a strong reputation within the junior college ranks as a program that consistently develops pitchers, sends players on to elite NCAA Division I schools, and produces professional talent.

For Robinson, it represents the next step in a journey that has rapidly accelerated over the last twelve months.

Robinson features a deep pitch mix — a four-seam fastball, two-seam fastball, cutter, slider and curveball — and was a key member of New South Wales’ gold-medal winning team at the 2025 U18 National Championships.

He also attended Australia’s U18 National Team Camp in August.

“The 2025 U18s AYC was my first taste of national baseball outside of juniors,” he says. “It was the moment I realised I had a chance at playing baseball overseas. Playing against some of the best talent in Australia boosted my confidence as a pitcher knowing I can compete.”

He says the U18 World Cup selection camp further sharpened his focus.

“The camp helped me set a clear goal and made me a better, more focused and goal-oriented pitcher. Even after getting cut, I was able to get back to work and compete day in and day out.”

He says one of his biggest assets on the mound is the way he carries himself and his raw potential he is trying to unlock.

“My biggest strengths are having a big presence on the mound, my rawness to pitching, and my velocity,” Robinson says.

Baseball Australia player development manager Andrew Riddell says Lachlan is another example of a strong arm in the U18 age group with a high ceiling.

“Obviously with his height, frame and where his velocity is already at there’s a lot to like,” he says.  “But it is really exciting to see him commit to a great program with a structured player development approach and continue his hard work to becoming a well-rounded pitcher.”

Riddell says Robinson deserves full credit for his hard work.

“He didn’t make a state team until second-year U18s where he really put himself on the map. Even after missing out on the World Cup team at U18 selection camp, he remained positive with how much growth and development he still had to come to reach the higher levels he wants to play in,” says Riddell.

“He is evidence to all young players that development and maturity happens at different ages and regardless of what club or level you start at. Working hard and continuing to push yourself leads to positive outcomes,” he adds.

At Weatherford, his focus is clear.

“I want to be able to improve my pitchability in all counts and land all of my pitches for strikes, keeping hitters guessing,” says Robinson. “I want to improve my command and velocity.”

Riddell says Weatherford was Lachlan’s choice among many options.

“Lachlan worked his way through zoom calls with some of the best junior colleges in the country that we reached out too and settled on Weatherford to keep developing him to a level where Division 1 and professional baseball is a reality,” says Riddell. “I can’t wait to see him and Will Hardy together for the next few years!’

Robinson credits his baseball influences with helping him reach this stage. Chief among them is his uncle, former Sydney Blue Sox player James Yates.

“My uncle was a big influence on my career and journey,” Robinson says. “He played on some of the biggest levels in Australia with the Blue Sox and travelled to the U.S. multiple times. He sparked my love for the game early when I watched him play. It made me dream of playing baseball at the highest level. Since then he has helped me develop physically and mentally.”

He says his parents were just as important.

“They always pushed me to keep going even when facing tough decisions and challenges. That ultimately made me the player I am today,” he says.

Robinson started playing baseball as a junior with McKillop Baseball Club with time spent at Greater Western Sydney.

Robinson will depart for the United States in August 2026, where he will join Hardy at Weatherford and begin the next chapter of his development in one of America’s most competitive junior college conferences.

MORE COLLEGE STORIES

• Canberra pitcher Nate Quigg commits to McLennan
• Hard throwing Queenslander Luka Moore locks in college commitment
• Team Australia U18 pitcher-catcher combo Riley Puckett and Cooper Teichmann commit to Galveston College
• From Blacktown to Texas: Ethan Bickel commits to North Central Texas College
• Team Australia U18 star pitcher Damien Wilson commits to New Mexico Junior College
• Team Australia U18 infielder commits to JUCO powerhouse Weatherford College

One of Canberra’s most promising young arms is heading to one of the strongest junior college programs in America.

Right-handed 18-year-old pitcher Nate Quigg, who plays his club baseball for the Ryde Hawks in the NSW State League, has committed to McLennan Community College.

The Waco, Texas based school is a perennial JUCO powerhouse with a recent national championship in 2021 and six JUCO World Series appearances since 2015. They’ve produced dozens of professional players.

Quigg, who features a three-pitch mix of fastball, curveball and splitter, has quickly risen through Australia’s pathway. He represented the ACT at the Australian Youth Championships, pitched for Australia at the 2025 U18 World Cup, and made his ABL debut with the Cavalry in January 2025.

He says he sees McLennan as the ideal place to accelerate his development.

“I see my development really taking off at McLennan. Being around high-level coaches and players every day will help me keep improving on the mound and learning more about the game,” he says. “I’m also looking forward to getting stronger in the gym, building more consistency, and competing against top talent, which I know will push me to another level.”

Quigg will study Sports Science. He is scheduled to depart to the United States in August 2026.

McLennan has long been a strong landing spot for Australians in the past.

George Callil spent two seasons there in 2017–18 before moving on to a standout NCAA Division I career at the University of South Carolina.

Quigg says one of his biggest assets is his ability to stay motivated and find ways to improve.

“One of my biggest strengths is my ability to push myself and stay motivated. I’ve had to do a lot on my own without much outside help, especially since we haven’t had a high-performance program here for the last couple of years,” says Quigg. “I’ve taken a lot of responsibility for my own development, finding ways to get better, sticking to my training, and staying consistent even without the same resources other players might have. It’s made me more self-driven and disciplined.”

Quigg notably spent time working with Canberra baseball legend and Team Australia catcher Robbie Perkins to prepare for the U18 World Cup.

He ended up tossing 3.0 innings across two appearances at the World Cup, allowing just one run.

Baseball Australia Player Development Manager Andrew Riddell says Nate has done a tremendous job in Canberra to keep developing his body and arm.

“He deserves a lot of credit for his hard work,” says Riddell. “He found a way to become a Team Australia U18 pitcher and now commit to a perennial junior college powerhouse. We saw him in January at AYC and even the strides he had made by selection camp in August were evident.”

Riddell says Quigg is a self-aware player, and he understands his strengths and weaknesses.

“From knowing the coaching staff at McClennan for a number of years now, they will be able to help him refine his command, continue to develop his secondary pitches and put some weight on him in the gym,” he says.

Riddell says Quigg was in a position with a number of top programs showing interest. After a bunch of zoom calls, McLennan seemed like the right fit.

“McClennan has always come and watched our players at Perfect Game events in the U.S and Nate’s commitment strengthens the relationship between them and Baseball Australia even further for the future,” says Riddell. “I think this next step in his career reflects his drive and ambition but also the support system around him in Canberra – notably his family, coaches since he was little, mentors at local Canberra clubs that have shaped him and other Canberra-based players that continue to work hard for each other and develop within the game with their goals not too far away.’

Now, Quigg says it’s time to set sale and sharpen his foundation while in the U.S.

“I’m hoping to keep improving my overall game — building strength, increasing velocity, and improving my command on the mound,” he says. “Getting on a proper throwing and strength program will help me develop more consistency and take that next step. I also want to learn as much as I can from the coaches and players around me so I can continue to grow as both a pitcher and a teammate.”

Quigg says his family has been the biggest influence along his journey.

He says he wouldn’t be there without them.

“It’s definitely been my mum and dad. They’ve supported me through everything — the early mornings, the long trips, always believing in me and pushing me to keep getting better. I’ve also been inspired by Australian players who’ve made it to college or pro ball, seeing what’s possible if you put in the work.”

MORE COLLEGE STORIES

• Hard throwing Queenslander Luka Moore locks in college commitment
• Team Australia U18 pitcher-catcher combo Riley Puckett and Cooper Teichmann commit to Galveston College
• From Blacktown to Texas: Ethan Bickel commits to North Central Texas College
• Team Australia U18 star pitcher Damien Wilson commits to New Mexico Junior College
• Team Australia U18 infielder commits to JUCO powerhouse Weatherford College

One of Australia’s hardest-throwing pitching prospects has committed to college.

Queenslander Luka Moore, a Redcliffe Padres pitcher who can throw up to 92 miles-per-hour, has committed to Midland Community College — a JUCO in Texas.

It’s one of the top junior colleges in the baseball landscape, ranked No. 10 to start the 2025 season.

Moore says his strength is his velocity and mound presence.

“I’m tall. I’m 6’4, 100kg and I get a lot of reach,” says Moore. “I have a good pitch mix that produces a lot of swings and misses.”

Moore has a five-pitch mix: four-seam fastball, two-seam fastball, Vulcan change-up, slider and curveball.

He says he hopes to become a more complete pitcher at Midland.

“While I’m away, I hope my velocity will jump but more importantly my strike-to-ball ratio will improve,” says Moore. “I also hope that as I progress, my mentality and attitude improve also. It’s a different game in the States and if I want to succeed then I will need to be at the top of my game physically and mentally. Being around a bunch of new faces and having a whole different lifestyle means that I can improve as a teammate and person.”

Moore follows in the footsteps of fellow Aussie Luke Hayhow, who transferred to Midland this year after redshirting his freshman year at San Diego State University.

Moore will study STEM and Engineering.

Baseball Australia Player Development Manager Andrew Riddell says he is happy that Luka was able to commit to a top ten program with a history of moving players on to Division I universities and professional baseball.

“He had a number of full scholarship offers from some really good schools that we were able to work through and narrow down his focus to the best fit for him,” says Riddell. “After discussion with the coaching staff – and also Luke Hayhow – Luka and his parents decided that Midland will best prepare him for the rest of his career.”

Moore missed out on national team selection this year despite attending camp. Riddell says he was very impressed with how he bounced back and earned himself opportunities in baseball.

“Luka remained positive and went straight back to training to keep improving his command and secondary pitches,” he says. “That’s a big credit to his work ethic and determination to be successful. He knows what he needs to improve on and it’s going to be fun watching him keep developing at college.”

Moore says his experience at the Australian Youth Championships helped prepare him for this opportunity.

He also attended the U18 National Team Camp with 34 other top Australians.

“Facing the best of the best in Australia meant I had to be on my A-game and get comfortable with the fact that everyone in a line-up can hit,” says Moore. “It’s a different feel from club ball. I also felt it at national team camp because I was narrowed down to the best 30–35 players in Australia, which meant I had to be even better and more efficient in what I do.”

Moore says he would like to thank everyone in the Redcliffe community, his mum, dad, Chris Maguire, Barry Kairl, Ted Roebuck and Phil Overlack.

MORE COLLEGE STORIES

• Team Australia U18 pitcher-catcher combo Riley Puckett and Cooper Teichmann commit to Galveston College
• From Blacktown to Texas: Ethan Bickel commits to North Central Texas College
• Team Australia U18 star pitcher Damien Wilson commits to New Mexico Junior College
• Team Australia U18 infielder commits to JUCO powerhouse Weatherford College