Titans Pitcher and First Baseman Ryan DaSilva commits to University of Rio Grande
18U Titans Pitcher and First Baseman Ryan DaSilva committed to the University of Rio Grande Red Storm last week. The versatile ballplayer became the second Titan from the “Class of 2025” to commit to a US College. DaSilva will join three Titans alumni on the Red Storm’s NAIA roster: Pitcher Colin Dudgeon (Class of 2024), Pitcher and Outfielder Mitchell Crowley (Class of 2022), and Catcher Lucas Seto (Class of 2024). Although this sense of camaraderie and familiarity were decisive factors, DaSilva provided personal reasons for his college selection: “I committed to Rio Grande because that school was one of my favorites when I went on the College Tour last year. The campus and area of the school have a great vibe and it feels like home.”
In addition to the “great vibe” emitted by the town and university, the resident of Alliston, Ontario is “looking forward to meeting some new friends on campus and just enjoying the college experience.”
DaSilva, a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School in Tottenham, plans “on studying Sport and Exercise Science while attending Rio” and explained his goals as a student-athlete at the NAIA school: “My goals are to just get better 1% everyday-- whether that’s spending extra time in the cages or the gym or by spending my free time studying for a test or exam.”
The veteran Titan expressed his gratitude towards the baseball club’s staff members that have assisted his journey: “The Titans were a big help to my success as Jim Stewart helped me a lot academically with my assignments-- making sure I achieved the right grades-- and Denis Bailey, with the recruiting process, helped find the right fit for me during the College Trips. I appreciate everything they’ve done for me.”
DaSilva reflected on his best moments with the CPBL club: “My biggest highlight as a Titan was that I was able to stay healthy all three years and play every single game, but it was also the friends I made as teammates. Those are some friends I’ll have for years to come.”
Titans 17U Head Coach and Director of College Placement Denis Bailey is certain that DaSilva’s best baseball years are ahead of him: “Ryan has the potential to be a dual guy at the next level. He attacks the zone on the mound with a variety of pitches. Offensively, he’s gap-to-gap and has a true compete level.”
DaSilva doled out some helpful tips to younger Titans regarding achieving post-secondary goals: “My advice would be to do your absolute best in school because your grades and what you average in high school really do matter when it comes to the recruiting process.”
The Titans Baseball Club extends its congratulations to Ryan DaSilva for committing to the University of Rio Grande Red Storm. We look forward to Ryan’s success on the diamond for the 18U Titans in his final CPBL season this Spring and for the Red Storm in his first NAIA season in Fall 2025.