18U Titans M.I.P. “Brando” Killeen Commits to New York’s Hudson Valley CC Vikings

18U Outfielder Brandon Killeen signed his letter of intent to Hudson Valley CC on the weekend after visiting the Empire State’s college campus and baseball facilities. He became the eleventh Titan to commit to a US College this Fall.  Killeen will join teammate and pitcher Matt Gallifant who committed to the Troy, New York community college last weekend.  The Bradford, Ontario resident expressed his gratitude to his HVCC Viking Coaches:   “I would like to thank Coach Parrow and Coach Peace for arranging my school visit. Before my tour of the pro level baseball facilities and great campus, Coach Parrow’s philosophy of faith, family, academics and team convinced my family and I that HVCC was the right fit for me.”  Killeen elaborated on his comfort level regarding his new College setting as a student-athlete in 2022: “Troy, New York is roughly the same size as my town of Bradford. So I feel I will adapt well. I can’t wait to meet my new teammates and hope to form some lifelong friendships.”  The graduate of Bradford High School wants to “major in Health Sciences” and amplified on the aim of his post-secondary education:  “It’s my goal to play ball at a 4-year program and transfer my credits towards a nursing degree.”

The veteran Titan noted the organization’s impact on his decision-making:  “I want to express my gratitude and thanks to Coach Lawrence, Coach Jim, and Coach Jeremy who have mentored me throughout my High School years. A special thanks to Coach [Denis] Bailey these past few months for all your hard work and guiding me through the recruiting process.”  Killeen was honored by the Titans at the end of the 2021 CPBL season as the 18U squad’s Most Improved Player.  He exemplified the award’s criteria by demonstrating the “best improvement in terms of offence and/or defence; development; improvement in mental toughness; and an impressive jump in numbers.”  18U Head Coach Jeremy Uylenbroek summarized his outfielder’s on-field performance after the 2021 CPBL season ended:  “I have had the pleasure of coaching "Brando" and watching him play ball for years. I have seen him switch positions a few times from 2B to OF, even a little 3B. His willingness to adapt to the team’s needs is an extremely admirable trait-- one that I as a coach value highly.”  Coach Uylenbroek offered these insights into Killeen’s candidacy as his Most Improved Player in 2021:   “Brandon has put in work on and off the field with unwavering dedication.  He takes extra batting lessons, simultaneously working with other programs for skill development. This past off season, I was happy to see a change in Brandon.  Things began to click and come together for him. It wasn’t just the change in throwing mechanics he made. It wasn’t just the 2-strike approach he invoked or the change to his route running either. His increase in arm strength and running speed also wasn’t the one thing that impressed me most. In fact, it was his resiliency throughout all of the adjustments and improvements he made that impressed me the most.”  The veteran Titans coach closed his analysis of his MIP’s transformative process with some personal insights into “Brando”:  “His dedication to his craft I’m sure will also carry over into his private life and career.  We all can take notice from Brandon and work to improve all facets of our own lives as well. Keep up the hard work and good luck in 2022, Brando.”

“Brando” reflected on the highlight of his Titans career:  “My first Tournament as a Titan was the PBR Fall Showcase in Ohio. On Day 1, I went 2 for 5 with a triple, double, and 2 RBI’s. I pitched 3 innings in Game 2, striking out 1 with 1 earned run.”  Killeen’s auspicious debut with the Titans was impressive, as were his timely insights for the younger Titans currently in the program.  He suggested that they “dedicate time every day towards your craft if you want to get to the next level. My 12U coach told me ‘It’s not how you start, but how you finish that matters.’ I bring this to every game.”

The Titans Baseball Club extends its congratulations to Brandon Killeen on the weekend of his commitment to the Hudson Valley CC Vikings.  We are proud of your achievements and steady development as a Titan and wish you all the best in your goals as a student-athlete in Troy, New York in 2022.