LaViolette opts to stick with A&M over MLB draft

By Tyler Tyre, Sports Editor
Posted 7/25/22

“Really and truly I’ve never been more excited in my life,” LaViolette said. “I’m ready to be here for the next three or four years and I want to help us maybe win a national championship for Aggie land.”

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LaViolette opts to stick with A&M over MLB draft

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Jace LaViolette had a hard decision to make.

The Tompkins graduate had signed to play baseball at Texas A&M, but knew there was a chance he could get his name called in last week’s MLB draft.

LaViolette mulled things over, but kept going back to the same decision.

He knew his new home was in College Station.

“After careful consideration with my friends and family I’ve decided to come play baseball (at A&M) for the next three or four years,” LaViolette said in an interview with TexAgs.com. “I’m super and excited and pumped to be here and I can’t wait.”

LaViolette had committed to A&M before his senior year and signed to play baseball there in the fall. The Tompkins graduate knew that there were strong opportunities to go pro, but ultimately, after being on campus and around the team this summer the decision to stay became a no-brainer for him.

“These last two weeks just really sealed the deal for me,” LaViolette said. “Before that I was already bought in, but I didn’t fully understand by what people meant when they said this is the best University to come to. Now that I’m here and I understand, this is the best place to be.”

LaViolette was one of the top recruits in the nation. Earning a 10 rating from perfect game, which is only allotted to the top high school prospects I the nation. Overall, LaViolette was ranked as the seventh best prospect in the state and the 27th best outfield proscpect in the nation in the 2022 class.

He joins a strong Aggie team that made it to semifinals of the College World Series this year and is building a strong culture under head coach Jim Schlossnagle.

The outfielder should have no problem competing for playing time with the Aggies despite them having a strong core. LaViolette brings a plus bat with outstanding power, while having a strong arm and a good glove defensively and he moves very well for his size.

Over the course of his senior season, LaViolette hit .601 with nine doubles, 13 triples and 11 homeruns while driving in 51 runs and scoring 53 runs on his own. He also garnered District MVP honors, earning All-Region honors as well as being named a first team American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings High School All-American.

And LaViolette isn’t in College Station just to mess around, he has big goals and wants to be part of the program taking the next jump into becoming a national power.

“Really and truly I’ve never been more excited in my life,” LaViolette said. “I’m ready to be here for the next three or four years and I want to help us maybe win a national championship for Aggie land.”

Katy ISD, Tompkins, Jace LaViolette, Texas A&M, baseball