Coral Shores standout pitcher Donovan Thiery made program history on Nov. 12 by signing a national letter of intent to continue his baseball career at Florida State University.
Thiery, whose fastball has been clocked at 97 mph, is projected to contribute as a pitcher and as a designated hitter/first baseman for the Seminoles. He is the first player in Coral Shores baseball history to earn a full Division 1 scholarship.
“I’ve really enjoyed playing for Coral Shores and winning the first district championship last year,” he said. “I want to thank my parents, my sister, my teammates and all my coaches who have helped me along the way. I want to especially thank my lord and savior, Jesus Christ.”
Thiery said he loved FSU’s coaches, facilities and the campus. His parents, Michele and Andrew Thiery, said they could not be prouder of their son taking this next step in his baseball journey. They said he has put in a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication to get to this day.”
Joe Szymanski, head baseball coach for the Hurricanes, Joe Szymanski said it’s an exciting time for everybody.
“We are all proud of Donovan; he is a coach’s dream. He will be successful at the next level and beyond,” Szymanski said.
Thiery enters his final year as a Hurricane coming off a stellar year on the mound and at the plate. He recorded a 7-1 record as a pitcher with one save. He struck out 101 batters in 49 ⅔ innings. Offensively, he led the team in batting average with a .482. He hit four home runs and recorded 37 RBIs.
Tony Hammon, Hurricanes associate head coach, said Donovan is the strongest, most promising pitcher he’s coached in his 40-plus years as a high school coach. Ed Holly, Coral Shores athletic director, said Donovan is a tremendous athlete who maximizes his ability through his exceptional work-ethic and commitment to “doing the right things.”
“Florida State is not just getting an outstanding baseball player; they’re also getting a first-rate young man,” Holly said.
Rich Russell, former Coral Shores athletic director and baseball coach, said Coral Shores’ baseball put the school on the map athletically around the state of Florida.
“Coach Roger Allen laid an amazing foundation for the program and started a pattern of success that included 46 consecutive winning seasons, consistent Top 10 state rankings, countless players moving on to playing collegiate, and a handful of major league draft picks. I say all of that to say, Donovan is the most talented and most accomplished player in our program’s history. Beyond that, he is the ultimate role model; his character and value system is beyond reproach,” he said.
