Holy Cross Commitment Has Spaner Excited

Nick Spaner C / 1B / Portsmouth, RI / 2024

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. - “A two-year process which I didn’t expect” has come to an end for Nick Spaner with a college commitment to Holy Cross.

“I’m happy I waited as long as I did,” the senior-to-be at Portsmouth High School in Rhode Island explained. “It was fun talking to so many coaches and making connections, especially at the Future Games (in 2022). I still talk to some of them.

“The bad part of it was when coaches didn’t call back. You’ve got to be strong mentally. I’m fortunate enough to have my head screwed on right.”

Holy Cross took a liking to the 22nd-ranked 2024 catcher in New England during the spring.

“The first time they saw me play was during the high school season when we played Hendricken,” Spaner reflected. “I talked to the recruiting coordinator and they ended up coming to four or five straight games. They liked what they saw and wanted me to come on a visit. Once the playoffs were done, I went up there at the end of June. I got an offer and committed a few days later.”

While there was another offer from Binghamton and interest from Maine, Spaner found Holy Cross to be just what he was looking for in a college.

“It’s the perfect mix between a high-academic school, which is big for my parents, and how the baseball program is developing under coach (Ed) Kahovec,” Spaner said. “On the visit I liked the philosophy he had with coach/player relationships. The best nine play and I like that a lot. I can go in freshman year and, hopefully, play. They like athletes, not just baseball players.”

Spaner, who plays first base and third base in summer ball in addition to his main position behind the plate, is confident in his ability to help Holy Cross at more than catcher.

“I’m versatile enough to play outfield,” the 12th-ranked senior in Rhode Island pointed out.

Being an all-around athlete is something that stood out to Holy Cross about Spaner.

“They like my defensive game and my offensive game,” Spaner explained. “They want their catchers to be more athletic and play out in the field when not catching. The other catchers they’ve recruited play corner infield and outfield.”

Being part of a college baseball program has been in the mind of Spaner for some time.

“The first time I thought about it was in middle school,” the second-rated 2024 catcher in Rhode Island said. “I wanted to play as high as possible for as long as possible. Once my freshman year came around I started to put a video together.”

It was a time when Spaner was making strides in his game.

“Covid helped me a lot,” the 17-year-old related. “I spent two to three hours every day working on my defense which stepped up my high school career. It made defense a lot easier for me.”

More size also proved beneficial.

“I was 6-0 160 going into high school and I’m 6-3 195-200 now,” Spaner said. “Once I filled out, it all came together. I still have more growing to go, but I’ve definitely made a lot of progress.”

Assistance came from a number of sources.

“My high school coach, Matt McGuire, has been by my side since I walked in freshman year,” Spaner explained. “He’s made me a better player and a better person. My summer program helped with development and recruitment. My parents also helped, making sure all was right with my mental state. I’ve appreciated what everyone has done.”

Spaner, who carries a 4.0 weighted GPA, is thrilled to have made a commitment to Holy Cross where he plans to major in biology, with the long-range goal of being a physical therapist.

“I’m super excited, it’s a giant relief,” Spaner said of his decision to go to college at Holy Cross. “For the past two years I’ve been an uncommitted 2024 catcher and now the weight is off my shoulders.”

Going to school just 90 minutes from home only makes things better according to the 140th-ranked senior in New England.

“One-and-a-half hours from home is not what I was looking for but it’s a bonus,” Spaner explained. “My family can come up to watch. They all live in Portsmouth and we’re really close to each other.”

Spaner is also pleased to be part of the baseball program at the Patriot League university.

“I’m looking forward to the competition the most,” Spaner concluded. “Being around a bunch of people like me will make me better just being around them.”