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A teenager from New South Wales is combining his baseball and academic passions by heading to prestigious Ivy League school Columbia University to study and play later in the year.

Pitcher Daniel Mills is coming off the back of an esteemed junior baseball career. The product of the Manly Eagles represented Australia at the 2023 U18 World Cup, while playing for New South Wales at the U16 Australian Youth Championships in 2022, and for the U18 squad in 2023 and 2024.

He also starred for Manly in their charter program, consistently representing the region at national championships. 
Not only is Mills a talented on the baseball field, he’s strong in the classroom. You have to be to go to Columbia.

The New York City-based university is ranked #7 in the top global universities. To get in to the school, students need to typically score in the 98th percentile or higher on their mandatory Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT).

“I have always loved New York City,” says Mills. “I love the buzz of the city and the community [feel] at Columbia. I was drawn to the school’s elite academics, combined with a great NCAA Division 1 Baseball program.

Mills will leave for school in August, 2024.

“I can see myself growing as a student, athlete, and person,” he says. “I really love math and I want to study finance and economics I am interested in lots of things, and I enjoy learning. Attending Columbia lets me continue my baseball journey at a D1 school, whilst also challenging myself in the classroom and setting myself up for a rewarding career.”

Mills’ parents are originally from the United States, but moved to Australia when Daniel was just a small kid. He grew up in the Australian Baseball system.

The right-hander currently has a fastball, curveball and changeup in his pitching arsenal.

Mills says he is looking forward to being guided by longtime head coach Brett Boretti.

“Columbia has a great program and develops excellent players, both on and off the field. I’m looking forward to developing in the gym and on the mound,” says Mills. “The experience of pitching in the Ivy League for four years will be invaluable. I can’t wait to learn more about the game.”

Mills was very much brought up by the New South Wales, Manly and national baseball community.

Mills now pitches in the New South Wales State League for the Eagles.

“A lot of people have helped me along the way to motivate me and encourage me to work hard to pursue my goals, including Rob Chessell, Brook Russell, PJ Patterson, Dave Gledhill, Gavin Fingleson, Travis McDonald, Grahame Cassell and Coen Wynne,” he says. “I am also very lucky to have such supportive parents, who have dedicated so much time to helping me pursue my goals.”

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