Marsh announces commitment to NCAA DI Niagara University

Team Ontario 2023 left-handed pitcher Matthew Marsh has announced his commitment to Niagara University, an NCAA Division I program in Lewiston, New York.

With Niagara's campus just minutes across the border, Marsh will join a program loaded with Canadian talent as the Purple Eagles head into the 2022 season with 16 Canucks on their roster.

The Havelock native says he chose Niagara because the small campus, the ability to develop his game and the coaching staff. 

"I chose Niagara because it was the perfect fit for me. I liked how everything you would need is right on campus. It's a small school, which I like so you'll be able to work one-on-one with the teachers and coaches," says Marsh. "At the end of the day, I really like Coach McCoy and Coach Spatafora. They're very welcoming and down to earth."

The 6-foot-1, 175-pound left-hander says Kyle McKay and the rest of Team Ontario's staff has helped guide him towards the Division I level.

"I don't think I would be where I am today without Team Ontario's help. Coach Kyle has helped me tremendously with my pitching development and has evolved me into my best self on the mound."

Marsh really picked up steam over the past calendar with several strong showing's on the national and provincial levels. His name really started to circulate following the PBR Jr. Future Games in Atlanta this past July where he was up to 86 mph with his fastball and garnered attention from Division I programs. 

He was dominant from start to finish in the CPBL season, punching out 67 batters in 42.2 innings of work with an ERA of 2.62. He capped it off with a strong two innings at the CPBL All-Star Showcase this past September. 

The real eye opener came when he pitched on the College Fall Tour against a pair of Division I programs and looked the part. 

Marsh will head to Lewiston in the fall of 2023 and join the Purple Eagles who went 16-16 last season, competing in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). The Purple Eagles also had a pair of former Team Ontario players on their roster during the 2021 season. 

Marsh has worked incredibly hard during his time with Team Ontario to reach his goal of playing Division I baseball. Everyone within the organization is incredibly proud of him for reaching his goal and look forward to following his development for another two years. 

Congratulations to Matt and the entire Marsh family.