Baseball announces 2023 signing class

AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Baseball and head coach David Pierce announced the signing of 17 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent in the class of 2023.

"Today is another great signing class for the future of Texas Baseball," Pierce said. "The class consists of one player from Louisiana, three mid-west players, five players from California and eight players from Texas. This class is loaded with speed, athleticism, potential power hitters and power pitchers with great feel to command the strike zone. I'm truly grateful for the class of 2023's commitment to the University of Texas. Many of these recruits committed two years ago and have stayed with the process to make today a very special day. It's a testament to their character, their work ethic and determination. Horns up to our future Longhorns!"

The 2023 class features seven right-handed pitchers, Hudson Hamilton (Spring, Texas/Grand Oaks), Evan Miranda (Fontana, Calif./Orange Lutheran), Hayden Morris (Conroe, Texas/Oak Ridge), Cole Selvig (Altoona, Wisc./Regis Catholic), Travis Sykora (Round Rock, Texas/Round Rock), Easton Tumis (Friendswood, Texas/Friendswood), George Zaharias (Menlo Park, Calif./Menlo-Atherton. Among those pitchers, Sykora is a two-way player.

The class consists of 10 position players; catcher Nik Sanders (Waco, Texas/University) and catcher/outfielder Oliver Service (Detroit, Michigan/University Liggett); outfielders Will Gasparino (Los Angeles, Calif./Harvard-Westlake) and Blake Peterson (Austin, Texas/Westlake) and infielder/outfielder Ean Czech (Downers Grove, Ill./Downers Grove North); infielders Lane Allen (Corinth, Texas/Denton Guyer), Sam Ardoin (Moss Bluff, La./Sam Houston), Casey Borba (Santa Ana, Calif./Orange Lutheran), Dondreone Kennedy (Fort Worth, Texas/Prestonwood Christian) and MJ Sweeney (San Diego, Calif./St. Augustine).

"I also want to thank the many staff members and coaches for their contribution and hard work throughout the process," said Pierce. "I especially want to thank Caleb Longley, Philip Miller, Carli Todd and Heather Vacek for being so instrumental in landing this great class as well as Woody Williams, Steve Rodriguez and Chris Gordon on the backend to secure the class. Thank you to our executive staff and the rest of our support staff for making our future players feel a part of Texas. As we say at Texas – What starts here changes the world. These young men will be great contributors to our program and make a difference in society. Congrats to our signees!"

Texas Baseball 2023 Signing Class

Lane Allen | INF | R/R | 6-3 | 200 | Corinth, Texas | Denton Guyer
Personal: Son of Susan and Wes Allen…has one sister, Reese…father, Wes, played basketball at North Texas (1998-2002), grandfather, Don Allen, played football at Texas Tech (1962-63) and great uncle, Bill Allen, played football at Baylor (1958-62).

High School: First team All-District player for head coach Pat Watson at Denton Guyer…named to the Denton Record Chronicle All-Area team…named Baseball Factory Preseason All-American…2022 Dallas Morning News District 5-6A First Team…batted .309, 12 2B, 2 HR as a sophomore in 2021.

I chose Texas because: "The coaches showed tons of interest and we formed great connections from the start. The program has as much history and tradition as any other in the country and I want to be a part of that."

Sam Ardoin | INF | R/R | 6-1 | 165 | Moss Bluff, La. | Sam Houston (La.)
Personal: Son of Danny and Hope Ardoin…father, Danny, was a fifth-round draft pick by the A's in 1995 and went on to play 15 years of professional baseball, five at the major league level…has two brothers, Drew and Silas, and one sister, Erin…Silas played was an All-Big 12 catcher at Texas from 2020-22…Erin plays softball at McNeese State.

High School: First team All-District player for head coach Chad Hebert at Sam Houston High School…ranked as the No. 2 shortstop in the state of Louisiana by Perfect Game…invited to participate in the Future Stars Underclass Elite event…also played in the Future Stars Main Event…earned American Press All-Southwest Big Schools honors…in 2022, batted .310 with eight doubles, two home runs, 21 RBIs and 26 runs scored, with 13 stolen bases.

I chose Texas because: "I chose Texas because of the welcoming university. Along with the great academics the university provides, I wanted to play for a college that has the opportunity to compete for a National Championship and Texas has done that consistently."

Casey Borba | INF | R/R | 6-1 | 205 | Santa Ana, Calif. | Orange Lutheran
Personal: Son of Eric and Cindy Borba…has one sister, Mackenna Borba…father Eric is the head coach at Orange Lutheran and played baseball at Sonoma State…Casey is a teammate of 2023 signee Evan Miranda.

High School: Three-year letter winner for his father, head coach Eric Borba, at Orange Lutheran…has competed for USA Baseball, most recently invited to 2022 U-18 National Team training camp…competed in USA Baseball 2022 Prospect Development League…also was part of the 2018 U-14 National Team Development Program…as a junior at Orange Lutheran in 2022, batted .353 with six homers, 29 RBI and 21 runs scored…voted best third baseman in California Southern Section high school baseball.

I chose Texas because: "I chose Texas because of the culture it has and the academics that come with it."

Ean Czech | INF/OF | R/R | 6-4 | 210 | Downers Grove, Ill. | Downers Grove North
Personal: Son of Douglas and LaVonne Czech...has two siblings, Estelle and Viktoria…Estelle is a pitcher for the Texas softball team.

High School: Three-year letterman for head coach Kyle Briscoe at Downers Grove North…ranked as the No. 4 third baseman in the state of Illinois and the No. 37 overall player in Illinois…participated in High School Baseball National Championship.

I chose Texas because: "I wanted to be surrounded by the best players and coaches that could help me improve on and off the field. Texas isn't just a fit for me athletically, but academically as well, a degree from the University of Texas will get you places."

Will Gasparino | OF | R/R | 6-6 | 215 | Los Angeles, Calif. | Harvard-Westlake
Personal: Son of Jenna and Billy Gasparino…has one brother, Lucca…father, Billy, played baseball at Oklahoma State and in the Rockies organization…Billy currently serves as Director of Amateur Scouting for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

High School: Three-year letterwinner for head coach Jared Halpert at Harvard-Westlake…selected to play in the Perfect Game 2022 All-American Classic…invited to play in the 2022 Area Code Games…played in the 2019 USA Baseball 14U National Team Championships…member of 2021 CIF State Championship team…also plays football.

I chose Texas because: "It was the right fit for me and had everything I was looking for in a college."

Hudson Hamilton | RHP | R/R | 6-1 | 210 | Spring, Texas | Grand Oaks
Personal: Son of LeeAnn and Wyndell Hamilton…has one sister, Lyla.

High School: First team All-District player for head coach Lou Ferrell at Grand Oaks High School…named the MVP pitcher for Grand Oaks…pitched and played first base and third base…selected to play in the Perfect Game High School All-State Select Championship…also lettered two years in football…started at quarterback as a freshman in the program's inaugural 6A season.

I chose Texas because: "My dream has always been to pitch in the College World Series and Texas will give me that opportunity. As a student athlete, I will form lifelong friendships and become a part of the legacy of Texas Baseball."

Dondreone Kennedy | INF | R/R | 5-11 | 190 | Fort Worth, Texas | Prestonwood Christian
Personal: Son of Michael Mancuso.

High School: All-State infielder for head coach James Vilade at Prestonwood Christian…named the District 8-4A offensive MVP…invited to play in the 2022 Area Code Games…hit .438 with 9 Doubles, 5 Triples, 4 Home Runs, 32 RBIs, 40 Runs, 18 Stolen Bases…also played two seasons of football as a running back.

I chose Texas because: "The coaches and the culture at Texas."

Evan Miranda | RHP | R/R | 6-3 | 205 | Fontana, Calif. | Orange Lutheran
Personal: Son of Eric and Emma…has two brothers, Ethan and Andrew…Evan is a teammate of 2023 signee Casey Borba.

High School: Three-year letterwinner for head coach Eric Borba at Orange Lutheran…invited to play in the 2022 Area Code Games…competed in the PBR National Program Invitational…played in the 2022 USA Baseball National High School Invitational.

I chose Texas because: "I love the atmosphere that Texas has. I also just love the school environment and the relationships I hear that people make."

Hayden Morris | RHP | R/R | 6-8 | 255 | Conroe, Texas | Oak Ridge
Personal: Son of Zachary and Sarah Morris…has one brother, Trent.

High School: All-State pitcher for head coach Justin Peirce at Oak Ridge…also named All-District, All-Conference, All-Region and All-American…helped lead Oak Ridge to the Region II-6A semifinals in 2022 and the District 13-6A championship.

I chose Texas because: "Texas felt like home. My family is a big Texas family and my grandfather went to Texas. It was a dream come true when I got the opportunity to play and represent the school I've been a fan of since I could remember."

Blake Peterson | OF | R/R | 6-1 | 180 | Austin, Texas | Westlake
Personal: Son of Britt and Kelly Peterson…has three sisters, Ellie, Campbell and Tatum and a brother, Graham…both parents are University of Texas graduates.

High School: All-District outfielder for head coach J.T. Blair at Westlake…helped team advance to the Class 6A area-round playoffs in 2022…played in the PBR Future Games for Team Texas…hit .463 with 30 RBI…named District Co-MVP…also plays football for two years at Westlake.

I chose Texas because: "I've grown up in Austin a Longhorn my whole life, and I have wanted nothing more than the chance to wear the burnt orange and white. Texas baseball is the most prestigious and iconic baseball program in the nation."

Nik Sanders | C | R/R | 6-2 | 198 | Waco, Texas | University
Personal: Son of Veronica and Mark Sanders.

High School: Three-year starter for head coach Dylan Chapman at University High School…All-State catcher in 2021 and 2022… hit .490 with eight doubles, three triples, four home runs, 23 RBIs, 24 Runs and 14 Stolen Bases…named the newcomer of the year in 2020… Perfect Game/MLB High School Home Run Derby Participant…MLB/USA Baseball Prospect Development Pipeline…also plays football.

I chose Texas because: "I chose Texas because it's been my dream college. My first picture was a picture of me in a Texas onesie. I want to lead a team to a national championship and take over Omaha."

Cole Selvig | RHP | L/R | 6-0 | 192 | Altoona, Wisc. | Regis Catholic
Personal: Son of Mark and Diane Selvig.

High School: Two-year letterwinner for head coach Andy Niese at Regis Catholic High School…member of Wisconsin Division 4 State Championship team in 2022…pitched at the Perfect Game National Showcase in Tampa…named to All-State, All-Conference and All-City teams.

I chose Texas because: "I chose Texas because of its historic success and the opportunities it will open for me in the future. Also, the facilities and coaching staff make Austin feel like home."

Oliver Service | C/OF | R/R | 6-0 | 188 | Detroit, Michigan | University Liggett
Personal: Son of Errol and Savarior Service…has two brothers Khris and Ej (attends Boston Conservatory majoring in Musical Theater) and one sister Shadrika.

High School: Three-year starter for head coach Dan Cimini at University Liggett High School…helped lead Liggett to 2021 Divison 3 State Championship and 2022 named All-State player…ranked No. 1 catcher in the state of Michigan by Perfect Game…invited to the MLB Develops Dream Series and Hank Aaron Invitational events…PBR Futures Games with Team Michigan…selected to played in the Future Stars Main Event and Minority Baseball Prospects All American Game …named the MVP at the 2020 Perfect Game U-14 Midwest World Series…2022 overall season with travel baseball batted .410 19 2B, 4 3B, 8 HR, 52 RBI 43 Runs….also plays varsity hockey and football.

I chose Texas because: "I chose Texas for the once in a lifetime education and experience, the amazing facilities, coaches, and fan base. From the first time I stepped foot on the campus I knew where I wanted to be and that was the Forty Acres."

MJ Sweeney | 1B |L/R | 6-8 | 245 | San Diego, Calif. | St. Augustine
Personal: Son of Mike and Shara Sweeney…has five siblings, Mckara, Donovan, Fiona, Quinn and Ryan…father, Mike was a five-time All-Star for the Kansas City Royals…played 16 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1995-2010…currently serves in the front office of the Kansas City Royals…grandfather Mike Sweeney Sr. played professional baseball, grandfather Jim Nettles played at San Diego State and six seasons of Major League Baseball.

High School: Three-year letterwinner for head coach Craig Da Luz at St. Augustine High School…named CIF All-San Diego and All-Conference in 2022…played in the 2016 Ripken Futures Game Powered by Under Armour…also plays football.

I chose Texas because: "I chose Texas because I felt like I could call it home. I am very comfortable and have a great relationship with all the coaches. Not only was that great but Texas has the best facilities in the nation."

Travis Sykora | RHP/INF | R/R | 6-6 | 220 | Round Rock, Texas | Round Rock
Personal: Son of Frank and Jenny Sykora…has two brothers, Daniel and Justin…father, Frank, was a record-setting pole vaulter at North Texas.

High School: Three-year starter for head coach John Carter at Round Rock…ranked as the No. 4 player in the 2023 class…Major League Baseball High School All-Star…named a Perfect Game All-American…Under Armour All-American…three-time Area Code Games participant…palyed in USA Baseball 2022 Prospect Development League.

I chose Texas because: "Texas has always been my dream school and they compete with the best and that's where I want to be."

Easton Tumis | RHP | R/R | 6-4 | 165 | Friendswood, Texas | Friendswood
Personal: Son of Shanna and Terrell Tumis…has two siblings, Avery and Landry.

High School: All-District honoree and three-year letter winner for head coach Cory Benavides at Friendswood High School…member of 5A state runner up team in 2022…all-district selection as a pitcher in 2022…named a Perfect Game Preseason All-American in 2020, 2021 and 2022…Texas Scout Association Scout Game selection…participant in the 2022 Perfect Gam National Showcase…named to Perfect Game National Showcase All-Tournament team.

I chose Texas because: "I chose Texas because of how good the environment is and how great of a baseball program they have. I felt at home when I first walked on campus, unlike anything else I have experienced."

George Zaharias | RHP | R/R | 6-3 | 190 | Menlo Park, Ca. | Menlo-Atherton
Personal: Son of Nick and Stephanie Zaharias…siblings are Jimmy, Zoe and Andie…father, Nick, played baseball and basketball at Gonzaga…uncle Chris Econn played football at Duke.

High School: Three-year letter winner for head coach Jordan Paroubeck at Menlo-Atherton…named the pitcher MVP in 2022…also received All-Region and All-League recognition.

I chose Texas because: "It was the whole package. Great baseball team, coaching, academics, and the UT spirit is like nothing else."

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