Colby Edwards Commits to the NAIA Florida National University Conquistadors
18U Titans pitcher Colby Edwards completed his comparatively-complicated commitment to the Florida National University Conquistadors this weekend. The resident of Keswick, Ontario is looking forward to his unique post-secondary opportunity in The Sunshine State. The 18U pitcher explained that not only will he pitch for the Conquistadors’ NAIA team, but he will also be on the Rocket League e-sports team where he will star as a video game player: “I committed to Florida National University because, overall, it's a great fit for me! It's in Florida and I can't stand the cold. The coaching staff seems like a great fit for my pitching career. And I got an amazing scholarship offer for becoming a part of both their baseball and Rocket League team. It's always been a dream of mine to go to Florida for university.”
In addition to competing on two Florida National University varsity teams, Edwards is really looking forward to living in Hileah, Florida-- a northern suburb of Miami—and embracing climatic conditions conducive to year-round baseball: “I am mostly looking forward to the weather and the location. My whole life, my family and I have gone on vacation to Florida and that's what started my love for the area. But, without a doubt, it's always baseball weather down there and I will love being able to play outside in nice weather all year round!”
The Honor Roll graduate of Huron Heights Secondary School in Newmarket disclosed that his “major of study will be computer information technologies--a mix of computer science and IT” and delineated his athletic and academic goals as a student-athlete at F.N.U.: “My athletic goals would have to be giving baseball my best shot so I can come out of university with no regrets of not trying my hardest. And my academic goals are to finish all four years with a 3.2 GPA or above.”
Edwards’s laudable goals are in line with Titans Coordinator of College Placement Denis Bailey’s expectations of the 18U pitcher in Florida: “Colby has an excellent opportunity to play two collegiate sports which is pretty cool. He’s a mature individual who will thrive in sunny Florida.”
The talented pitcher outlined how the organization—especially Coach Bailey-- assisted him with the procurement of a baseball scholarship in Florida: “The Titans had previous connections with the Florida National University baseball coach and whenever I had a call with the coach or connected with him, Coach Bailey and the Titans college placement staff were on calls with me and making sure I was asking the right questions. The Titans also helped me choose the right offer for me which is Florida National University.”
18U Titans Head Coach Kirby Smith also believes that FNU is the right offer that matches his pitcher’s many attributes on and off the field: "Colby has been a great addition to our 18U team this year. Despite being new to the program, he has come in and made an instant impact both on and off the field. Colby utilizes 4 pitches that he can control for strikes and he’s shown the ability to be a reliable arm out of our bullpen to get hitters out. Colby has also been a great teammate. Being a new addition, he has come in and gets along with everyone on the team as if they have played together for years. We are excited to see Colby's development over the remainder of the winter and into our summer season. We anticipate he will be an arm that we can go to multiple outings in a week and be called on in some higher leverage situations."
Edwards—who is an excellent addition to the Titans for the 2023-24 season-- took time to reflect on the value of the Titans’ US College Fall Trip: “The highlight of my short Titans career has to be the college tour we took down to the United States. It gave me lots of time to get to know my new teammates from my age group and others. Most importantly, it gave me an idea of what college ball looks like and the skill level needed. The entire trip was a blast and an eye opener to the next level.”
When asked what pearls of wisdom he could offer to the organization’s youngest players as a graduating Titan, Edwards’s tips were concise: “The best advice I could give to the younger generation of Titans is to maximize the tools you have access to and to give it your all. Don't be afraid to ask a coach or teammate for help. You want to be able to look back in life and see that you gave baseball your best shot!”
These are words to live by for our younger Titans as they embark on their dream to play US College Baseball. The Titans Baseball Club is proud of Colby’s achievements and more than slightly envious of his next four years he’ll enjoy on the Atlantic Coast of Florida. We wish Colby all the best with the upcoming 2024 CPBL season with the 18U Titans and look forward to his four-year tour of duty with the NAIA Florida National University Conquistadors.