The FGCU baseball team is kicking off its season at Swanson Stadium with a three-game series against Fairfield University.
Before the first pitch is thrown, here are a few things you should know about the 2025 Eagles.
Over the summer, the team lost three key players to MLB programs: Friday night starter Davian Garcia, Ian Farrow, who racked up a .379 batting average and shortstop Jacob Lojewski. Although the Eagles had positions to fill, they brought in 25 transfers and freshmen and brought back 14 returners.
“I think we are better in all areas this season,” FGCU baseball coach Dave Tolett said. “That’s from pitching, to hitting, to base running and to attitude. I think we’ve made some really good improvements.”
The Eagles ended their 2024 season with a record of 30-26 and an ASUN Conference record of 20-10. This year, the ASUN underwent changes, such as splitting its collegiate baseball standings into divisions. This has resulted in teams facing each other multiple times a year.
“I think the divisions will make it tough,” Tollet said. “From a middle aspect, if we didn’t play well against a team the first time, how will we approach them the next time? This type of division setting is more mental than it has ever been.”
The green and blue have a stacked first four weeks. After facing Fairfield, they will see Indiana State University, Stoney Brook University, and the Universities of Miami and Georgia.
Justin Henschel, a junior right-handed pitcher, is ready for Friday night. Last season, Henschel was the Eagle’s Saturday night starter ending the season with a 4.91 earned run average with 18 game appearances.
Henschel is returning to the mound this season as the Eagles Friday night starter.
“When I step on the mound, my whole goal is to just go out there and get seven innings for my team,” Henschel said. “I want to get strikeouts and I want to do it for the guys in the dugout.”
The mindset for the Eagles this season is consistency.
Last season, the Eagles struggled with consistent pitching. Seven games had nine or more walks, the highest number reaching 13. One of those opponents was Fairfield.
“I think top to bottom our arms are better than they have been in previous years,” Henschel said. “Everybody is rooting for each other and wants to see each other succeed.”
As far as the bats went last season, they had some high highs and low lows. When the team faced Fairfield at home, they kicked off the series with 19 runs and 18 hits to claim the win. The Saturday and Sunday games were a complete change of pace as they had six hits and three runs scored on Saturday and no hits on Sunday.
“I feel really good about our lineup this year,” Mac Moise, FGCU’s fifth-year catcher, said. “There’s guys that should be everyday guys that aren’t going to make it into the top nine. Our depth is really good and we haven’t seen that in the past.”
Three for-sure returners to the lineup are Harrison Povey, who ended last season with a .248 AVG, Mac Moise, who had a .302 AVG and Evan Dempsey, who racked up a .339 AVG.
After a successful fall season for the team, there are stand-out returners and new players who could make their way into the starting nine.
Regarding transfers, the Eagles added significant talent to their team. Junior Nathan Gagnon showed off his strong hitting and outfield skills. He previously played at St. Johns River State College and is a top contender to join the lineup.
Jaret Nelson, a junior transfer from Fort Scott Community College, came out strong in the fall season. Nelson is a consistent first-base player who has made major growth in his batting since pre-season.
“Overall, we’re feeling really good,” Moise said. “Fans should be excited to see wins, I think we’ll do a lot of that this season.”
FGCU started its season 1-2 in its opening series against Fairfield. The team looks to bounce back versus Indiana State in a two-game series on Feb. 18-19 and a series against Stoney Brook on Feb. 21-23.
