Snyder Ready To Bring Strong Work Ethic To Notre Dame

Garrett Snyder RHP / 1B / Cheshire Academy, CT / 2025

UNIONVILLE, Ct. - It did not take long for Garrett Snyder to make a decision about a college home after a visit to Notre Dame on Sept. 2.

An offer came the following morning and a day later the Cheshire Academy junior committed to the prestigous university located in South Bend, Ind.

“I love the coaching staff,” related the 12th-rated 2025 right-handed pitcher in New England, who was seen by Notre Dame on two occasions in Georgia during the summer, including as a member of Team Connecticut at the Future Games. “The campus was everything I was looking for, not too big and not too small, and I like the town around it. I wasn’t looking to be in a big city. I also love how everyone there is supportive of Notre Dame athletics.”

Snyder, who canceled scheduled visits to Pitt and Ohio State after committing to Notre Dame, has dreamed of playing baseball at the next level.

“I knew from a young age what I wanted to do,” Snyder explained. “My parents were supportive of me, running me around to tournaments, going to showcases and now finding Notre Dame.

“It’s been a long process,” the 6-5 240-pounder added. “Before I was never big in the weight room, I’d never had a coach introduce me to that until two years ago. But that has been big, plus tips I’ve gotten from others on grips and mechanics. When I was younger I used my arm and my size to get velo. Gaining range and strength has really helped me on the mound.”

Notre Dame found a lot to like about the fifth-ranked junior RHP in Connecticut.

“The first thing that caught their eyes was my slider,” Snyder pointed out. “Also being tall and projectable. I’m working on a third pitch, a change. I think if I can have a three-pitch mix I can really make an impact.”

The 23rd-rated 2025 in New England believes there is a lot he can bring to Notre Dame along with his abilities on the mound.

“From day one it’s been about working hard,” Snyder noted. “My parents instilled in me about working hard on the field and off. Along with that I’ll bring my competitiveness and confidence which I think can help me make an impact in my career.”

In addition to his parents “pushing and supporting me throughout the entire process,” the 17-year-old credits summer coach Matt Burns and pitching coach Justin O’Brien with playing huge roles in helping find a college home and bringing an end to a recruiting process that has been ongoing.

“Last year before the new rule change I had contact with coaches, but with the rule change my focus was on development so when the time came I’d get what I hoped for,” Snyder explained. “I had to be organized for Aug. 1. It was stressful with calls coming in from morning until 6 p.m. I had around 25 on day one and probably a dozen more the rest of the week.

“The Future Games gave me another chance to get out in front of coaches, plus gave me exposure to southern schools. That really opened interest to colleges from across the country.”

For Snyder, the school of choice is 13 hours from home.

“Everyone was really excited for me when I committed,” the10th-ranked junior in Connecticut said. “Throughout the process they let it play through me. Then came my official visit to Notre Dame. That stuck out. It’s where I know I can become the best player I can be.”

Snyder, who carries a 4.0 GPA at Cheshire Academy, is enthusiastic about what lies ahead at Atlantic Coast Conference university where he plans to major in physical therapy and minor in business.

“Going to a private school has prepared me for being away from my parents,” Snyder concluded. “I’m excited to play in front of bigger crowds and to play under pressure. I enjoy that. I think that can help me be the best I can be.”