As the Marian Catholic baseball team gears up for the 2025 season, Coach David Letourneau is keen to witness the development of his young squad. With eight new players joining a group of seasoned seniors, Letourneau believes that the blend of youth and leadership will create an engaging year.
Letourneau's coaching journey began with a moment of inspiration at his high school senior banquet when his own coach predicted he would one day return to Marian Catholic to lead the team. A college injury shifted his perspective, sparking a passion for coaching. Since then, he has dedicated himself to guiding young athletes in both baseball and cross-country.
According to Letourneau, coaching extends beyond wins and losses; it involves preparing players for success on and off the field. "The players are my motivation," he said. "Practice is what makes the game rewarding, and our goal as a staff is to help them reach their full potential."
A key focus for Marian Catholic this season is improving defensively. Last year, despite having the talent to win over 20 games, the team struggled with errors and positioning. "If we can make routine plays and minimize mistakes, we'll be much more consistent," Letourneau said.
Several players are expected to be significant contributors this season, including sophomore Matt Gonzalez, who hit .480 in conference play last year, and senior pitcher Alex Kvasnicka, now fully healthy and ready to lead on the mound. Letourneau also commended Joe Baranski's resilience after returning from an ACL injury and highlighted Jonathan Trotter's power after adding 25 pounds of muscle in the offseason.
With a strong team culture fostered through offseason training and senior leadership, Letourneau expresses confidence in his team's chemistry and potential. "When everyone buys in and works for each other, special things happen," he remarked.