News Summary
Noah Brandt, a senior at Somonauk High School, has earned a baseball scholarship to Grand Valley State University, marking a significant milestone for the school’s athletic program. Recognized as the fifth-best catcher in Illinois’ 2025 class, Brandt’s recruitment highlights his impressive skills and performance, having played multiple positions for the Bobcats. Coach Felton believes Brandt’s success will inspire future players from smaller schools. As Brandt prepares for collegiate baseball, he reflects on the importance of hard work and adaptability in reaching this achievement.
Somonauk – Somonauk senior Noah Brandt has earned a college baseball scholarship to NCAA Division II Grand Valley State University, solidifying his future in athletics. Brandt, who has been recruited primarily as a catcher, has a standout record at Somonauk High School, where he also excelled as a shortstop and pitcher for the Bobcats, currently holding a record of 9-8 for the season.
Brandt’s recruitment marks a significant achievement for the school, which has not seen a player advance beyond NCAA Division III in over 15 years. The team’s head coach, Troy Felton, views Brandt’s commitment to Grand Valley State as a way to elevate the program’s reputation and inspire future players from smaller schools, demonstrating that success on a national level is attainable.
The young athlete’s remarkable performance on the field has not gone unnoticed; he is currently ranked as the fifth-best catcher in Illinois’ 2025 class by Prep Baseball Report. Brandt attributes much of his successful recruitment to a strategic combination of a strong social media presence and participation in competitive travel ball leagues, positioning him better in the eyes of college scouts and coaches.
Competitive Play and Travel Baseball
Brandt’s travels took him to top-tier competitions with elite travel teams such as Top Tier and Rhino. He faced off against some of the country’s best young talent, including players like Ethan Holliday and Jack Bauer at events organized by USA Baseball. These experiences provided him with the exposure necessary to enhance his skills and increase his visibility among college programs.
Coaching Support and Playing Versatility
Coach Felton has praised Brandt for his versatility on the field. He has showcased skills in various positions, including infield and pitching, which has made it challenging to determine his best fit. However, Felton is confident in Brandt’s ability to excel in any role assigned to him, highlighting the athlete’s adaptability and focus.
Brandt has had key performances throughout the season, such as during an April 19 game against Seneca, where his contributions were significant despite the team’s loss. Felton emphasized that Brandt is often the ideal player for critical game situations, showcasing his reliability under pressure.
Looking to the Future
As Brandt prepares for his transition to collegiate baseball, he reflects on his final days at Somonauk as an opportunity filled with fun memories and camaraderie with friends. He recognizes the shift ahead, predicting a more serious focus on his baseball career at Grand Valley State, where the demands will intensify, and the potential for being drafted may arise.
Brandt’s journey to securing a scholarship illustrates the importance of hard work, dedicated training, and the effective use of modern tools such as social media. Learning to navigate this digital landscape from a childhood friend, who plays at Wabash Valley, has proven instrumental in his successful recruitment. This achievement not only marks a personal victory for Brandt, but it also stands as a testament to the opportunities available for students who actively seek to develop their athletic talents while showcasing their abilities to a broader audience.
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Additional Resources
- Chicago Tribune: Noah Brandt of Somonauk Commits to Grand Valley State
- Wikipedia: Baseball
- Cape Cod Times: High School Baseball Prospects
- Google Search: College Baseball Scholarship
- CBS Sports: East Carolina Pitcher Ejected
- Google Scholar: Baseball Recruitment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- Google News: High School Baseball
