Titans’ Matthew Dickie commits to West Virginia Tech Golden Bears
18U Titans’ dual player Matthew Dickie committed to the West Virginia Tech Golden Bears last week. He is the eighth Titan from the Class of 2025 to sign a letter of intent with a US College. The Orillia resident explained why he chose West Virginia Tech and the Golden Bears: “I committed to West Virginia Tech because I believe it offers the perfect combination of strong academic programs and a competitive athletic environment. The coaching staff is dedicated to developing players both on and off the field, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to the team and help build a winning culture. The campus and facilities also felt like the right fit for me personally and athletically.”
Titans’ 17U Head Coach and Director of College Placement Denis Bailey—who helped create the right fit for the outfielder/pitcher during the recruiting process—discussed Dickie’s attributes that will allow him to flourish with the Golden Bears: “As a right-handed pitcher and outfielder, Matthew shows definite maturity both in the field on the mound and at the plate. He has the tools to be a guy on the field for WVT. He's a sparkplug type of player with the ability to develop more power at the next level.”
Dickie disclosed what he is looking forward to most at the next level when he moves to Beckley, West Virginia: “I’m really looking forward to living on campus at West Virginia Tech and fully engaging in the school’s environment. Being on campus will allow me to connect with fellow students, professors, and staff, creating a strong support system for both my academics and athletics. I’m also excited about the opportunity to give back to the Beckley community, whether through school initiatives or local volunteer work. I’m eager to be part of a community that values both personal growth and contributing to the greater good.”
The Honor Roll student at Orillia Secondary School delineated his athletic and academic goal at West Virginia Tech: “Athletically, my goal is to contribute to the team and improve my skills every day, while maintaining a strong work ethic and discipline. I aim to help the team achieve success and grow as an individual player. Academically, I plan to focus on my Biology major, building a solid foundation in human biology, anatomy, and physiology, with a focus on the visual system. My ultimate academic goal is to prepare for optometry school, equipping myself with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in optometry while maintaining a strong GPA and balancing my responsibilities as a student-athlete.”
The aspiring optometrist outlined how the Titans assisted him with his college baseball placement: “The Titans played a huge role in my college baseball journey. Coach Bailey provided valuable guidance on my recruitment, helped me get exposure to college programs, and supported me throughout the process. The club’s focus on developing players both athletically and mentally was a key in helping me get to the next level.”
Dickie took time to reflect on his career as a Titan and, like many graduating players, focused on the importance of the organization’s annual Fall Excursion to US Colleges: “The highlight of my career as a Titan was the college trip that took place in September. It was an amazing opportunity to not only experience college-level baseball but also to build stronger bonds with my teammates. The trip allowed us to create new friendships and form a sense of family within the team, which has made our group closer together. It was a great mix of competition and friendship, and it truly solidified the foundation for our team dynamic going forward. Overall, the trip was an unforgettable experience that helped me grow both as a player and as part of the Titan family.”
The soon-to-be Golden Bear offered timely tips to current Titans about achieving post-secondary goals as a student-athlete: “My advice would be to always stay focused and work hard, both in the classroom and on the field. Balancing academics and athletics can be tough, but if you stay disciplined, manage your time well, and stay positive, you’ll set yourself up for success. Make sure to take advantage of every opportunity for growth, whether it’s on the field or in your personal development.”
The Titans Baseball Club congratulates Matthew Dickie for committing to the West Virginia Tech Golden Bears and for representing the Titans on and off the field in such an exemplary manner.