skip navigation

Michael McNamara '20 Commits to Kent State

By Joe Ginley '12 , 01/07/19, 12:15PM EST

Share

In the midst of a busy Christmas break, a promising Wildcat committed to a Division I powerhouse. 

Michael McNamara will be a Kent State Golden Flash.

The multi-sport student-athlete committed to Kent State University last week on a baseball scholarship. 

"Kent is a great program that does a phenomenal job of getting players to the next level," McNamara said. 

Since arriving on campus, McNamara has been turning heads. The junior has made a name for himself on the baseball field, football field, and basketball court. The 6'1, 210-pound athlete has perhaps stood out the most on the baseball field, under the watchful eye of manager Brad Ganor.

McNamara enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign in 2018. Breaking the starting lineup as an infielder, McNamara showed off his glove at shortstop and third base and his strong bat at the plate. McNamara hit for a .344 average, notching 6 extra base hits, including 1 homer. McNamara also tallied 19 RBIs and 18 runs as a sophomore. 

Plenty of colleges showed interest in the budding star. But none of the schools displayed as much interest as Kent State.

Head Coach Jeff Duncan has taken the Golden Flashes program to a new level since assuming the reins in 2013. Duncan has earned Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year honors for the past three years, guiding Kent State to the NCAA Regional in 2018. 

Combine that with Kent State's excellent academic options and close proximity to home, and you have a perfect fit. 

"Kent fits all of the criteria I was looking for in a school," McNamara said. "Overall, it is the best fit for me."

Coach Ganor and the Wildcats could not be more excited for McNamara.

Ganor has seen plenty of great baseball players pass through the halls of Saint Ignatius, and counts McNamara as among the most gifted. 

"Michael is a fantastic baseball player. I have no doubt that he will have a great career at Kent State," Ganor said. "He has the tools to potentially be a draft pick out of college and the work ethic to go with it. I am so happy for Michael and his family to receive such a great opportunity from Kent State."

As for McNamara, he couldn't be more thrilled.

Plenty of baseball remains to be played at Saint Ignatius, but an opportunity to play Division I baseball is an exciting one. McNamara is grateful for the chance and for everyone who has helped him reach this point. 

"I am extremely thankful for my family, Coach Ganor, Coach Abrahamowicz, Coach Smego, and all of the other schools that expreseed interest in me," said McNamara. 

On behalf of Saint Ignatius athletics, congratulations, Mac!