26 August 2024
- Team Australia College Baseball
Meet Australia's college baseball players ready to announce themselves and bring valuable lessons to U23 World Cup
Australia’s success at the Under-23 World Cup in September will largely depend on how the twelve players either currently in or returning from US college baseball programs perform.
They make up half of Australia’s roster but many of the haven’t played a game of baseball on home soil in a number of years.
Right after they finished high school, they jumped on a plane to play as much baseball as possible while gaining an education in America.
Now, they are thrust back in the Australian baseball spotlight and will be key figures in trying to secure a World Cup medal.
This article serves to re-introduce you to those players. You can hear from each and learn about their journeys below.
VIEW THE ROSTER & SCHEDULE: Australia at the U23 World CUP
There are high expectations as to what they can bring to a Team Australia environment, says head coach Shayne Watson.
“The massive thing from them is their energy and athleticism,” he says. “With the college environment they are conditioned for this type of baseball atmosphere where everyone is reliant on every pitch, and every moment. When they play regional college tournaments – or just the fast paced nature of college baseball – they get used to what they’ll face in China. Those experiences and just being around a baseball program will serve them well.”
Watson says he leaned on key supports from Baseball Australia, like player development manager Andrew Riddell, in monitoring the near 150 Australian college players eligible throughout the year.
“Those connections are important,” says Watson. “We also really appreciate the colleges working with us to allow the players to go to this World Cup to help their country.”
The players in question left home as young 18-year-olds and now many are 22. They aren’t necessarily the same people as who they are when they left.
They are more mature humans now with a greater sense of independence.
They’re also improved as baseballers. That will be handy come World Cup time.
“[In college], you get a lot more at-bats, more ground balls, and have an expanded lifting schedule compared to home,” says 22-year-old infielder Ben Fierenzi, currently at Long Island University in the NCAA.
“We’re always finding ways to get work in, no matter rain or shine. We’re always watching film on all parts of the game and finding ways to get better. I’ve found you have to be adaptable and organised because your schedule is always changing because you’re juggling weights, practices, games and classes.”
All twelve of these players had to go the junior college route, plying their trade at a small school for two years before transferring to a larger program.
That in itself is a great learning experience.
“College baseball is a grind. Being on the field every day, in the weight room 4+ days a week,” says catcher Zak Skinner. “JUCO and NCAA both showed me that when I put my mind to something and I want it really badly, the only person stopping me is myself.”
But their love of the game, and pride in their country hasn’t changed.
Now, they have a chance to do something special at the World Cup.
Nobody would blame you for being unfamiliar with the players.
So, let’s meet the players, see what level they play and hear what they’ve been up to.
ZAK SKINNER – LAMAR UNIVERSITY
Position: Catcher
Age: 22
2025 Team: Lamar University
The 22-year-old left to Vernon College, a JUCO, in 2021. He was a third-team All-American, a two-time all-conference selection, and hit .447 with ten homers and 61 RBI in his final year.
Those numbers allowed him to transfer to NCAA Division 1 school Lamar University for the 2024 season.
He continued to flourish. Skinner posted a .339 average with 10 home runs and 51 RBI as the team’s go-to catcher in 58 games.
Skinner says the experience of playing college baseball as helped him in all aspects of his game.
“Being on the field every day, in the weight room 4+ days a week, and having a team of guys who you spend 95% of the time with [helps],” he says. “It has really shown me how to push myself each day and what it means to be a good team mate.”
Skinner will return to Lamar for a senior season in 2025.
He says his mental side of the game has improved since he left Australia.
“College baseball is a grind. JUCO and NCAA both showed me that when I put my mind to something and I want it really badly, the only person stopping me is myself,” he says.
Skinner says Aussie fans can expect him to give everything he has 100% of the time.
“I’m excited for myself and all the boys to show the world what Australian baseball is all about.”
BLAKE CAVILL – WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY (2024 team)
Position: 1B / Infield
Age: 22
2025 Team: Troy University Trojans
Cavill had a phenomenal junior career in New South Wales. He won multiple national championships with New South Wales and also charter tournaments with Cronulla.
Cavill even slotted in for a few games for the Sydney Blue Sox in the 2021 season.
In 2022 & 2023, he played at Northwest Florida State College where he notched a .338 / .490 / .532 slash line in 50 games played in his final season.
He transferred to Western Kentucky in NCAA Division 1 in 2024. Cavill hit .313 with eight homers and 53 RBI in 58 games with an OPS of .970. Cavill belted 19 doubles and primarily played first base.
Cavill has since transferred to Troy University where he will play next season.
“[College] helped me to understand and learn the game of baseball. Long days at the field and long days in class but it’s all worth it,” he says. “Division 1 this year helped me become a more mature hitter, understanding how pitchers pitch to you.”
While his numbers as a junior in Australia, Cavill says he’s hitting has improved even more.
“I’ve worked with lots of different coaches at college and the Cape Cod League, so learning more about my swing and understanding what works and doesn’t has been amazing,” he says.
Cavill says it’s a team first mentality for him at the World Cup.
“Expect a lot of positivity on and off the field.”
JO STEVENS – WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
Position: Infield / 3B
Age: 23
2025 Team: Sydney Blue Sox
Stevens has just finished his college career and will play for the Sydney Blue Sox in the Australian Baseball League this season. What a college career it was…
He played at two different colleges before transferring to Purdue for the 2023 season. He started in 2021 at Cal State Bakersfield. In 2022, Stevens played for Yavapi College in Arizona.
In two seasons with Purdue, Stevens appeared in 107 games. His senior year was his best, hitting .307 with a .962 OPS. He collected nine homers and 43 RBI.
“I believe [college] enhanced by baseball IQ,” says Stevens. “It’s truly taught me what teamwork is and how cohesive of a unit we can become to reach a goal.”
Stevens says his mental game has also improved.
“Just understanding adversity and turning negatives into positive,” he says.
Stevens says expect to see some clutch hitting, some nice defensive plays, but mainly the passion and emotion he plays with during the game.
BEN FIERENZI – LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY
Position: Infield / Shortstop
Age: 22
2025 Team: Long Island University
Fierenzi spent 2022 and 2023 with Arizona Western, a prolific junior college. He slashed .329/.447/.417 with 13 doubles, one triple, two homers, 54 RBIs and 17 steals in 240 at-bats spanning 80 games.
He transferred to Long Island for the 2024 season and made an instant impact. Fierenzi was named to the second-team of the All North East Conference (NEC) and was named to the All-NEC Tournament team.
He hit .325 on the season and ended the year on a 24-game on-base streak where he collected 39 hits in that span.
Fierenzi says the volume of baseball has made him a better player.
“You get a lot more at-bats, more ground balls, and have an expanded lifting schedule compared to home,” he says. “We’re always finding ways to get work in, no matter rain or shine. We’re always watching film on all parts of the game and finding ways to get better. I’ve found you have to be adaptable and organised because your schedule is always changing because you’re juggling weights, practices, games and classes.”
Fierenzi says that volume has helped him become more consistent.
“No matter how tired you are or how tough something may be you have to show up with the same mindset: to get better,” he says. “I would also say that moving away from home has made me a lot more mature as a player and person. It forced me to grow up and make decisions independently.”
Fierenzi says every game he will do whatever is needed for the team’s success in whatever role required.
CAYDEN NICOLLETO – COLUMBIA COLLEGE
Position: Utility
Age: 21
2025 Team: Missouri (NCAA Division I)
A season to remember. Cayden’s third year in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) was record breaking.
He broke multiple program records with 87 hits, 27 home runs, 81 RBI, 193 total bases, while tying individual batting record in slugging percentage at .915 and 211 total at-bats. He ranked third in the NAIA with 27 home runs, was named the AMC Player of the Year and an NAIA First-Team All-Star.
His performance allowed him to transfer to NCAA Division I powerhouse Missouri for the 2025 season.
“This was the first time I had a 100% healthy full season, I was really able to focus and put myself in the best position to be successful,” says Nicoletto.
The Western Australian says his college experience has been invaluable both on and off the field.
“[It’s] the work ethic everyone has around you,” he says. “Finding the right program that have coaches that want nothing more than to help you improve and teammates who are willing to work has hard as you. Everyone is fighting for a spot in the starting line up so it’s a competition within itself. It’s about scarfing so much you really buy in trying to be the best person because we [Australians] do not come to the other side of the world to not be on that field.”
Nicoletto has attended three schools. He’s never been selected for a national squad but his hard work and willingness to learn has helped earn him his first World Cup selection.
“Australians should expect to see someone with a passion for success in this sport,” he says. “I couldn’t be more proud. As a player, I look to be aggressive and keep the pressure on the other team. Tournament style baseball is a different level and momentum can swing back & forth with anyone being able to beat anyone on any given day.”
JAYLIN RAE – WESTERN KENTUCKY
Position: IF / OF
Age: 23
2025 Team: Sydney Blue Sox
Rae is back for his second Under-23 World Cup and brings a heap of college experience.
He played two seasons at Central Arizona College (JUCO) and one season at Charleston Southern. He won a national JUCO championship while at Central Arizona and is top 10 all-time for single-season hits for them with 92 while batting .372 with 16 doubles, 45 RBI, and 14 stolen bases.
His junior college experience helped land him a baseball offer at Western Kentucky in the NCAA.
Rae appeared in 42 games while making 35 starts as a utility player. He had a .274 average with two home runs with 14 RBI and 19 runs scored. Notably, he finished tied for ninth nationally in sacrifice bunts with 13.
He says the college system helped him learn discipline, work ethic and “most importantly team work.”
“If anyone knows me, I’m a big team first guy,” he says. “Being a utility, I played six different positions in my last year of college. I’m ready to play wherever and be the spark plug for the boys.”
Rae also says he’s developed a lot in between the ears.
“I think understanding and implementing the mental side of the game has been key. Learning to be present each moment allowed me to enjoy it,” he says. “Being around experienced coaches and older players gives you a chance to pick their brains and pick up different strategies.”
Rae is now an experienced player himself, returning for a second U23 World Cup.
“From the last trip I learned to have fun because it’s not every day you get to be around the best Aussie guys all in one team,” he says. “It’s always a different experience playing for your country. It means more than just yourself. Each game is like playing for a national championship or World Series.”
“It’s like life or death.”
MADDUX STIVEY – San Jacinto College
Position: RHP
Age: 20
2025 Team: Emporia State University
After winning the 2020 Under-18 National Championships MVP for WA, Stivey went to college. He just finished two years at San Jacinto, a junior college in Texas where he posted a 4.95 ERA in 20.0 innings during his senior year.
For 2025, he transferred to Emporia State University, an NCAA Division II program in Kansas.
He says the grind of college baseball challenges you mentally and physically every day.
“It provides me a platform to compete, be challenged, make changes and improve every time I step on the field,” he says. “I have access to one-on-one coaching, team trainings, late night work outs or early morning ones. I play with people from different countries around the world and hearing their advise has directly impacted me.”
Stivey, one of the younger members on the team, says he is ready to bring the energy at the World Cup.
“I will be the guy with a big grin on my face, showing how happy I am to represent my country and play the game I love and enjoy,” he says. “I will contribute towards the team at all times whether it is on the mound, helping warm someone up or even getting somebody water.”
STUART THARLE – Three Rivers Community College
Position: RHP
Age: 21
2025 Team: Cumberland University
Tharle just completed two seasons at Three Rivers Community College, a JUCO. He started 11 games in his senior year in 2024, going 5-4 with a 5.55 ERA while compiling 50 strikeouts in 48.1 innings.
He transferred to the University of Cumberland in Kentucky, a Division II school in the NCAA that’s hosted plenty of Australians before.
Tharle says the college experience has made him a better person and player.
“It’s not just being around baseball and guys who love the game, it’s the level of competition you face that makes you a better player. You have to work hard to be the best and you have to be willing to do more than the people around you to get where you want in your career,” he says.
Tharle says his mental game while pitching has improved immensely.
“I truly learned how the mental side of pitching matters. You have to be strong to win at this level and any level beyond. I am a firm believer in if you are truly confident in yourself and know that you have the upper hand, it makes the game a lot easier,” he says.
Tharle says fans can expect to see a passionate player.
“I want to win not just for myself but for Australia. Expect me to be passionate and respectful of the game. I will be there for my team to back them up every single pitch,” he says.
JACK WATERS – Eastern Kentucky University
Position: RHP
Age: 23
2025 Team: Eastern Kentucky University
Waters returns to the Under-23 squad after playing in the 2022 World Cup. He brings more college, life and tournament experience with him.
Waters spent 2022 & 2023 with Arizona Western College (JUCO). He transferred to Eastern Kentucky ahead of the 2024 season and will remain there this year.
In his first year in NCAA Division I, he appeared in 13 games and made four starts with a 6.33 ERA. Waters struck out 29 and walked only nine in 27 innings.
“Having played junior college in Arizona [and now] Division I baseball in Kentucky, it’s exposed me to so many different cultures and environments both on & off the field,” he says. “With that comes a lot of learning opportunities.”
Waters says he’s seen growth from college both on and off the field.
“On the field, I have grown as a teammate infinitely. I take a lot of pride in this because being coachable and being able to constructively coach your teammates and directly correlate to team performance and cohesiveness,” he says. “Away from the field, independence and time management has been my biggest growing point.”
Waters says he wants to use his experience at World Cups to help his teammates.
“I hope I can relay the message that this is truly a team effort. Yes, it will take everyone’s individual performances but it is two weeks of undivided attention to detail and everybody needs to be on board.”
Kailen Hamson – Cumberland University
Position: LHP
Age: 22
2025 Team: Cumberland University
Hamson transferred to Cumberland University, an NCAA Division II school in Kentucky, after two years at Three Rivers Community College.
He started six games with 21 total appearances, finishing with a 6-1 record, an ERA of 5.88 and struck out 79 batters in 56.2 innings.
His high strike-out rate and perfect 1.000 fielding percentage in the season has him poised to be an effective no matter the situation for the Australian coaching staff.
Cooper Morgan – Cumberland University
Position: LHP
Age: 22
2025 Team: Cumberland University
Morgan transferred to Cumberland after a two-year career Walters State Community College (JUCO).
In his first season in NAIA with Cumberland, he compiled a 4-1 record with 48 strikeouts in 38 innings. Batters hit just .223 vs Morgan.
“Baseball in general has taught me a lot about myself, but the college experience has taught me everything I know,” he says. “From how to cook…sort of…to the non-stop competition and fight for a team. It’s a constant battle for playing time so you can’t get complacent. I know now that everybody here is for the same reason I am, I just have to do it better. I went through the JUCO route and I couldn’t be happier. It taught me to be even more resilient than the next guys. You have to earn every pitch on that mound.”
Morgan adds he has learned to better focus on the job at hand and control what he can control.
When it comes to tournament baseball, he says he’s ready to bring the energy.
“You won’t see me without a smile on my face. I love this game and that’s why we all do it,” he says. “When I pitch I won’t be smiling as much but you can expect by best effort and a lot of great baseball with us on top.”
Josh Beezley – Little Rock University
Position: RHP
Age: 22
2025 Team: Little Rock Trojans
The side-arm pitcher first went to school at a Division II Junior College with National Park.
After two successful seasons, he transferred to NCAA Division I program Little Rock-Arkansas and became a trusted reliever in the program. He’ll return for 2025.
He appeared in 21 games, all out of the bullpen, posting a 4.85 ERA in a hitter-friendly conference in 39.0 innings pitched. He often pitched high-leverage situations for the Trojans.
“Playing baseball in the USA has tested me both on and off the field,” says Beezley. “The level of play and amount of games allows you to practice your craft over and over and over. Baseball is a grind in the States. It teaches you to try and out work everybody because the higher you go in baseball the harder it is to get a spot.”
Beezley says there’s been personal growth too.
“It’s really helped me grow as a person. I’ve overcome so many challenges being so far away from home and taken on many different roles within the team,” he says. “After being with a team you see every day and watching them strive to be the best they can be, it makes you want it so much more.
