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Perth catcher Jacob Santich has become the latest Australian to commit to college in the United States.

Santich will attend Hill College, a Junior College (JUCO) in Texas with strong Australian links.

Notable Australian alumni from Hill College includes Canberra Cavalry infielder Cam Warner, who went on to play Division 1 college and multiple seasons in the minor leagues. Sydney’s Dean Frew and Queensland’s Luke Cronan both played at Hill College and transferred to Division I schools after their JUCO careers.

“The main thing that led to my decision was the plan that the coaches had for me,” says Santich. “We spoke about what they wanted from me and how they were going to develop me into a better athlete and person and from there I thought they were the right school.”

Santich will head to the USA in August.

He’s also played some first base, including for Australia in a pre-Under 18 World Cup exhibition game vs Chinese Taipei.

“I hope I can become a strong bat that the team can rely heavily on as well as playing good defence behind the plate,” he says.

Santich plays for the Wanneroo Giants in the WA State League. He’s coming off a stellar Division 1 season where he posted a .370 average in 29 games, while smashing two homers and driving in 25 runs. Santich played with Perth Heat players Byron Armstrong and Tom Bailey this past season.

“Growing up watching State League and watching the older players go to college and play for the Heat really inspired me to try and take my baseball as far as possible,” he says.

Santich has been involved in multiple national junior programs, attending both U16 and U18 national camps.

He’s also a member of the WA Performance Pathways Program.

“Being involved in state and national programs really helped me get extra work in where I could,” says Santich. “Being coached by the best played a big factor in helping me prepare for the next level.”

Baseball Australia player development management sings the praises of Santich.

“Jacob has shown consistent development in both his swing, power and defensive abilities. He took some time after he finished high school to continue to improve and has done a good job with Wanneroo in the state league in Perth,” says Riddell. “Baseball Australia’s relationships with various high level college programs meant he had multiple offers and was able to choose the best fit for him based on position, playing tine, coaches, scholarships, location and hopefully playing well to transition to a university after a couple of years at a good Hill junior college program.”

Santich becomes one of approximately 150 Australians playing college baseball. Read the latest college stories here.

Congratulations to Jacob!

Western Australia’s Cayden Nicoletto will play in the best college baseball conference there is.

Nicoletto, who won the 2024 America Midwest Conference Player of the Year with the Columbia Cougars, announced his transfer to the University of Missouri earlier today.

Missouri plays in the SEC, a powerhouse conference of American athletics. A team from the SEC has won the last five College World Series.

Nicoletto had a break out year with Columbia in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), a separate level to the NCAA in which the SEC resides.

The Australian outfielder hit .412 in 55 games this season, with 19 doubles, 27 homers, 81 RBI and was an NAIA all-American in 2024. He won the AMC Player of the Year.

Nicoletto is one of approximately 150 Australians playing college baseball in the United States.

For more college stories, click here.

Perth infielder Cam Landy says a major league Australian link helped him land on a college squad to play on.

Landy announced his commitment to National Park College in Arkansas this week. It’s a Junior College coached by one of Australia’s 39 big leaguers – Rich Thompson.

“I decided to commit to National Park College after talking to [Australians] about their experience there, and the high quality of baseball,” says Landy. “Having Rich Thompson as a head coach who is also from Australia and played in the big leagues will make the transition that little bit easier as well as his knowledge of what it takes to get to the next level as he has played at the highest level possible.”

Thompson, from New South Wales, pitched for the Los Angeles Angels and the Oakland Athletics from 2007-2012 in the Major Leagues.

Landy will head stateside in August for the start of the American academic school year.

National Park has also seen New South Wales baseball’s Josh Beezley and Zach Murphy both play there.

Landy says he hopes to become a more well-rounded player at college.

“I look to improve in every aspect of the game physically and mentally and with the facilities provided to me by National Park…I believe that it’s possible,” he says. “My goal after National Park is to transition to a D1 college and follow players like Josh Beezley – who is now at Arkansas-Little Rock – who have successfully done after playing at National Park.”

While Division I baseball is the goal, Landy got his start at South Perth Baseball Club in Western Australia. He says his home club has been a big influence on his career.

South Perth is home to many Australian national team players including Will Sherriff, Jake Bowey, and major leaguer Warwick Saupold. Australian Baseball League players Kobe Foster and Jaxon Limpus also played in Division I with South Perth this year.

Landy hit .260 in Division I in 2023-24. He shared the team lead with two homers and was second on the squad with 18 RBI.

“Being around players and coaches who have played at such a high level has allowed me to learn the game and what it takes to play at that level,” says Landy.

He also says his father has been a big help when it comes to life and baseball.

“My dad has been a huge influence in my baseball, he’s always pushed me and made sacrifices to give me opportunities that I am forever grateful for. I must thank both of my parents as they have made sacrifices, and I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without them,” he says.

Landy was part of the 2022 National Junior Squad which went away for training camp ahead of the U18 World Cup.

Best of luck to Cam!

For more college stories, click here.