By Jerry Shank
Maryland Director of Scouting
Follow @PBRMaryland

Stephen Decatur HS senior Grant Donahue has been committed to the University of Virginia since the summer of his sophomore season.  This past season he won the Bayside South Pitcher of the Year award.  The highly touted RHP was kind enough to take time out for PBR Maryland and let us all get to know him better. 

Why did you choose UVA?

--The University of Virginia has an outstanding baseball program and I felt like I clicked with Coach Kuhn, the pitching coach. Before I decided, one of my coaches told me to make sure I really liked the people and the community I was choosing to spend my college experience with. Charlottesville is the perfect size for me and the grounds are amazing and the university is so rooted in history and tradition. All those things played into my decision, but I was positive the second I stood on the pitcher's mound at Davenport Field.

What other schools were you considering?

--Really, the University of Virginia was my number one school choice, so when I had the opportunity to verbally commit early on I jumped at the chance. I am thankful to have been in that position.

Now that your commitment is over, what are your goals for your senior year?

--Continue to be a team leader. Command each pitch one pitch at a time. Keep my ERA low. Make it back to the state tournament and win the championship.

What would you like to get accomplished before you step on campus at UVA?

--I am focused on perfecting each of my pitches and working hard to come out in the best shape ever and ready to pitch. I am enjoying my senior year and time with friends while I prepare for the upcoming baseball season.

What are you looking forward to the most about UVA?

--Obviously, playing baseball for Coach O'Connor and Coach Kuhn. I am looking forward to meeting my new teammates. There is so much to learn from new experiences. I am ready to get started with the next phase of life at the University of Virginia. I am ready to get adjusted to a new school and community. I am excited for the next chapter.

Who did you play for over the summer and what was your most memorable experience?

--For the past three years I have been a member of the Evoshield Canes. I don't really have one most memorable but instead it is more about the entire experience. I have had the opportunity to play with the best high school players in the country and learn from great coaches. I have played on some of the nicest fields and travelled all over with my family and friends. It is an experience and time I will never forget.

Who has been the most influential person over your baseball career and why?

--I have had the privilege of playing for many good coaches. My dad has been influential because he got me playing baseball early and he taught me to pitch. Mike Butler is my pitching coach and he has really helped me develop as a pitcher mechanically and even with the mental side of the game. He pushes me to work hard to continue to improve. He has really become a mentor that I can count on.

Who is your favorite MLB player and why?

--Really I am just a fan in general. I like watching many different pitchers and learning from their actions. Evan Longoria has always been my favorite player. I bet you did not expect that from a pitcher, but third base has always been my field position when I am not on the hill. That is also why I wear number 3 on my jersey.

What are you going to bring to UVA as a freshman?

--I am going to work hard, be a great teammate and have an open mind to learn from new coaches and teammates. I am looking forward to filling the role the coaches see for me my freshman year.

What is your goal by the end of your freshman year?  By the end of your college career?

--My goal by the end of my freshman year is to continue to learn and improve my skills as well as becoming a key member for Virginia's pitching staff.  My goal by end of college is to be drafted.

Random question:  What is your favorite movie?

--Well that's hard for me to pick one because I'm a huge movie fan. But if I had to pick I would probably say the Fast and Furious movies. They are awesome!