Baseball star Nathan Panzer ’16 recently committed to the University of Maryland and is “extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a Maryland Terp.”

Though he started playing in the yard, Panzer quickly progressed to playing Little League with his step-brother, Andrew Ingber ’16. However, his passion for the game really sparked after taking home the trophy for the fifth grade Little League championship.

The college recruitment process started in the summer of 2014, where Panzer participated in a tournament at University of Virginia. Many coaches became very interested in Panzer after watching him play in the tournament.

Coach Rob Vaughn, the assistant coach and hitting instructor at Maryland, was especially impressed with Panzer’s performance and gave him his card. They started contacting each other, and Panzer considered Maryland as one of his top choices.

Meanwhile, Panzer continued getting offers from other schools, such as Penn State and Stony Brook.

Something about Maryland caught Panzer’s attention, though. “I thought the overall atmosphere of the campus was great,” Panzer said. “But the thing that put it over the top was how good the baseball team has been lately. They came in thirteenth in the nation in the Super Regionals of the College World Series, just losing to the University of Virginia, which is number two in the country. And the new coaches are doing a tremendous job.”

There are definitely some pros to being committed so early. For instance, Panzer doesn’t have to submit college applications to other schools.

However, even though he is committed, Panzer has no plans of giving up in school.

“There is a lot less pressure on me, school-wise,” Panzer said. “But I am still trying to do the best I can, both academically and on the field, in order to make the transition to Maryland smooth and simple.”

It was this same sense of dedication and commitment that helped him reach his baseball goals. “It didn’t come easy,” Panzer explained. “I was never one of the best in my grade, but through hard work and dedication, I propelled myself to where I am today.”

Long-time teammate, Ben Casparius ’17 also noted Panzer’s work ethic. “When he was younger he used to sort of suck,” Casparius admitted. “But as time went on and people were honest with him, he knew he needed to start working even harder to get to the level he is now, which obviously paid off a ton.”

According to his teammates, Panzer has multiple strengths as a baseball player. Teammate Noah Yokoi ’16 noted that “his speed, arm strength and overall ability has transformed day and night. He’s grown into a real talent on the baseball field.”

Not only does he possess these qualities as a baseball player, but he is also appreciated as a teammate. “He is always looking out for the person next to him and is as much as you can ask for in a teammate,” Ian Burns ’15, Columbia commit, said.

Even, Staples baseball coach, Jack McFarland described Panzer as “unselfish, hardworking, and a leader.”

Panzer’s supporters have been a huge part of his success. Panzer explained that he wouldn’t be where he is today without his dad, who is always traveling with him and supporting him. Panzer also noted that Casparius and Yokoi “are like brothers to [him]. [They] have gone through this entire process together, which has made it an even more incredible experience.”