Our Lady of Sorrows Academy Baseball Team Preview

As the new season approaches, Head Coach Gerry Violette and the Our Lady of Sorrows Academy baseball team have set their sights on winning the state championship. However, beyond victories, the team’s mission is to play to its full potential while fostering character development that will benefit players beyond the game of baseball.  

Key Returning Players

Several key returning players bring experience, leadership, and skill to the team: Dominic Young: A dedicated leader who consistently improves his abilities and sets an example for his teammates. Tony Rojas: A hard-working player whose commitment to the game makes him an essential part of the lineup. Angel Avila: A natural leader with a strong work ethic who inspires those around him. Blaise Henry, Anthony Papandrea, and Vincent Dewitt: All bring valuable experience and a passion for the sport that strengthens the team.  

New Faces to Watch

The team welcomes several new players who could make an immediate impact, including Ciprian Henry, Fernando Torres, Santi Torres, and Wesley McCaughey. Their performance and development will be key factors in the team's success this season.  

Leadership & Team Chemistry

Coach Violette emphasizes leadership as a crucial quality for team captains. Angel Avila, Dominic Young, and Tony Rojas have emerged as leaders, helping to create a culture of trust and camaraderie. Respecting each player’s contributions and maintaining a balance between enjoying the game and working hard will be central to building strong team chemistry.  

Challenges & Season Outlook

One of the biggest challenges the team faces is managing time effectively to cover all necessary aspects of preparation. High school baseball schedules vary each year due to player turnover, making each season unpredictable. However, the team is eager to face strong competition and test itself against quality opponents.  

Coaching Philosophy & Mental Focus

With over 25 years of coaching experience, Coach Violette’s philosophy remains consistent: interact with players on an individual level and incorporate new technologies to improve the team. Mental toughness is a key part of the game, and the team dedicates at least 30 minutes in every practice to mental training, recognizing the importance of resilience in baseball.  

Training & Conditioning

A major advantage for the team is its ability to integrate conditioning into the school’s PE program, allowing more time for technical development during baseball practice. This approach helps players remain physically prepared throughout the season.  

Strengths & Areas for Growth

The team’s biggest strengths lie in its solid leadership, commitment to improvement, and overall passion for the game. Pitching remains a challenge, but a structured four-pitcher rotation is in place to build consistency. Batting has improved with a focus on contact hitting, and defensively, the emphasis remains on fundamental skills like ball control and accurate throws.  

Final Thoughts

With a mix of experienced leaders and promising new talent, Our Lady of Sorrows Academy is poised for a strong season. If the team continues to develop its pitching consistency, maintain its mental toughness, and build on its strengths, it has the potential to compete at a high level and make a deep playoff run.