Calandrelli Bringing Character, Leadership To URI

Paul Calandrelli C / SS / Daniel Hand, CT / 2025

MADISON, Ct. - Playing college baseball entered the thought process for Paul Calandrelli at the beginning of high school.

“Going into my freshman year I realized what I wanted to do in college and make it my lifestyle,” the incoming senior at Daniel Hand High School reflected. “It was a little stressful at the time, but PBR helped a ton with the Junior Games and the Future Games. That was a huge factor with a lot of exposure. Every coach I talked to said they saw me there or on their videos.”

The University of Rhode Island was one of those schools that showed an interest.

“They saw me play last summer at the Future Games and after that really started to look at my high school games,” Calandrelli explained. “They talked to my hitting coach, catching coach and high school coaches. I took a visit during their season and Anthony DePino from my high school showed me around campus. I really loved it. I met the team and talked to the coaches. Two or three weeks after, they offered, and a week after that I said yes.”

URI saw a lot to admire about the fifth-rated 2025 catcher in New England. 

“Mostly, they liked my catching but I think my athleticism and being able to play other positions also stood out,” Calandrelli noted. “My character and leadership played a role and my arm strength is another factor, and maybe pitching.”

That is an area of the game where Calandrelli believes there is some projectability.

“I’ve always pitched but nothing seriously until my sophomore year of high school,” Calandrelli pointed out. “I never had coaching, I just threw pretty hard.”

While being on the mound is not where his future lies at the moment, the 5-11 181-pounder is confident he could contribute if called upon.

“I envision myself as a true catcher, but if there is a situation that I need to come in and close, if that becomes something needed, I could do that,” Calandrelli said.  

An improved game played an important part of the 64th-rated 2025 in New England becoming a commit to the Atlantic 10 Conference program in Kingston, R.I.

“I’ve put in a lot of hard work,” Calandrelli related. “Taking hitting and catching lessons helped me improve a ton with mechanics and the mental side of things. Also, lifting has helped with getting bigger, stronger, faster. It’s helped me get more power.”

The 17-year-old pointed to a number of coaches with benefitting the cause in hitting coach Eric Campbell, catching coach Zach Zeneski, high school baseball coach Travis LaPointe and high school football coach Eric Becker. 

“I can see bringing hard work and more leadership to the program,” explained Calandrelli, who helped the Daniel Hand baseball team win a conference championship and reach the state semifinals this past school year after starting on defense on a state football championship squad. “I’m someone who leads by example. It’s about keeping it disciplined. I feel I can help the team win by playing with energy and a positive attitude at all times.”

Admittedly, a commitment to the university located 90 minutes from home was a memorable experience.

“It was awesome, a huge weight off my back and my parents’ backs,” noted Calandrelli. “I felt a lot of stress from the recruiting process gone. I’m happy with the spot I’m in.”

A major in business is in the future for the third-rated senior catcher in Connecticut, a 3.34 student at Daniel Hand who will play quarterback in the fall before his final year of high school baseball takes place ahead of his college career on the ball diamond.

“I’m excited for the connections and the lifetime of friends I’m going to make,” Calandrelli concluded. “I’m looking forward to making bonds with teammates that will last forever as well as developing as a baseball player and getting better, which maybe one day will lead to the pros.”