‘Childhood Dream’ Of Ewles Realized With Commitment To Lehigh

Henry Ewles 1B / LHP / Notre Dame Prep & Marist Academy, MI / 2026

MACOMB - “It’s worth it.”

That sums up the feelings of Henry Ewles in regard to his plans to attend college at Lehigh University, nearly 10 hours away from home.

“It’s just a great fit academically and athletically,” the Notre Dame Prep & Marist Academy junior said of the school located in Bethlehem, Pa., an hour-and-a-half north of Philadelphia and two hours west of New York City. “I love the school. I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else.”

A Future Games participant for Team Michigan, Ewles was called and offered by Lehigh on Aug. 1, the initial day that college coaches could reach out to players in the 2026 class.

“I went on a visit Oct. 26 and loved it,” reflected Ewles. “The campus is beautiful, the facilities are nice and the coaching staff is great. Everything is amazing.”

Playing “a little role but not huge” was the opportunity to not only hit and play first base, but to pitch.

“They like my hitting and fielding abilities, but they also want to see me two-way in college,” explained the top-ranked 2026 first baseman in Michigan.

Brown, Winthrop and Michigan State, which all saw Ewles at the Prep Baseball Future Games, also made contact with the 16-year-old when Aug. 1 arrived.

“They all liked the way I played and the way I swung the bat and pitched,” Ewles said. “Prep Baseball had a huge role in getting my stats out and getting me seen.”

The recognition also helped fulfill a “childhood dream” by the 21st-rated junior in the state.

“Since I was four I’ve wanted to play college baseball,” Ewles related. “Freshman year I started to put up good stats and good metrics and I knew it would be a reality if I worked real hard.”

An improved game paved the way to becoming a Division I college commit to the Patriot League program in Pennsylvania.

“I hit the weight room hard and lost weight,” explained the 6-2 215-pound first baseman and left-handed hurler. “It helped me get faster and stronger. It helped in every aspect, hitting, running and pitching.”

Speaking of help, nobody gave more assistance to Ewles in his baseball journey than his father, Ryan Ewles.

“My dad has played a big part in my baseball life,” Ewles said. “I played catch with him since I was four and he got the bat in my hands. He really got me into the sport and coached me to be the best I can be.”

There was additional aid along the way.

“Jason Gendreau, the Notre Dame Prep head coach, really helped get my name out to coaches around the country,” Ewles explained. “Peter Varon and Nick DiPonio played a huge role in my development, working with me to become the best baseball version of myself and the best young man possible. Sean Macdonald has been my hitting coach since I was seven-years-old and transformed my swing and mental approach to what it is today.”

Admittedly, there is an understanding that being a two-way player as well as a student-athlete at a college like Lehigh will not be easy.

“It will take a lot of hard work,” Ewles said. “There will be long nights studying, but you have to put in the work with school and with baseball if I want to be the best I can be in both aspects.”

Ewles, who carries a 4.1 GPA and plans to major in business, has the belief he can make an impact as part of the Lehigh program.

“I’ll keep my grades up off the field and be a great teammate with great character on the field,” Ewles summed up. “Pitching, hitting, playing first base, I’ll contribute in any way I can.”

It is an exhilarating feeling according to Ewles.

“This is a dream come true,” Ewles concluded. “I can’t wait to meet new teammates that will basically be your family, along with meeting the new students on campus. I’m excited to help Lehigh win baseball games.”