Greens Farms Academy baseball player Ali Hood is taking his talents to Lafayette College come fall.
Hood is one of eight GFA student-athletes to announce his intentions to play a Division-I school during the school’s recent commitment ceremony.
“I chose Lafayette for both baseball and academics, as myself and my family thought it would be the best fit for me,” Hood said. “Not only is baseball competitive and a good fit, but the school is as well.”
Over the past couple of years, Hood has been allowed to come of age a bit within the GFA baseball program, but this spring Dragons coach Peter Jay is expecting big things out of his senior.
“For this upcoming GFA season we are expecting Ali to lead the pitching staff, pitch in big spots and big games but most importantly to guide the younger pitchers to maximize their own potential,” Jay said. “Taking on a larger role on the mound will also be great for Ali’s overall development as a pitcher. His poise and overall calm demeanor allow him to be successful on the mound. No matter the outcome, Ali makes sure to stay composed giving his team and coaches a sense of control of the game.”
Hood will join former GFA teammate Trace Florio ’22, who is on the staff at the Easton, Pa., school, as well.
“Ali will be successful making the transition to Lafayette because of all the growth potential he has due to recently transitioning into a full time pitcher,” Jay added. “His quiet work ethic tells me he will be ready for Lafayette when he arrives.”
Hood said he has enjoyed the small-school environment that GFA offers and he found that same type of atmosphere at Lafayette.
“The rural aspect and the smaller size really grabbed my attention,” he said. “I enjoy the smaller-sized school and being able to know all the members of my community, similar to GFA.”
Last season, Lafayette posted a 15-37 overall record, falling in the first round of the Patriot League tournament.