On Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, Upper Dublin seniors Joe Levis, Leo Soriano and Jared Levis were recognized for committing to continue their baseball careers at the collegiate level.
Jared Levis – Montclair State University (Baseball)
Major: Business Administration
Final list of colleges: Montclair State, Ramapo, Drew, Albright, Penn State Abington
Reasons for choosing Montclair: “Great baseball program and highly rated business department.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in baseball at the collegiate level? “I always wanted to play baseball in college, but over the past few years, I realized my passion for the sport and didn’t want it to end at high school. The recruiting process started last summer when I started going to showcase tournaments and prospect camps where some colleges showed interest in me.”
Coach Ed Wall says: “Jared is definitely our first player to go and play in New Jersey, which is exciting. Since early on, we knew this kid was a player. He came in with a skill set that was pretty advanced. His fundamentals were super solid. He is pound for pound definitely the strongest kid we have on the team. I’d put him up against almost anybody else in the league. He hits for power from the left side, and he has a surprisingly strong arm. That was a huge benefit for us turning double plays last year when he was at second with him and Nick (Lombardo) up the middle. Now he’s moving over to the other side of second base. He’s going to be our shortstop every day for us. We’re looking forward to seeing him flashing the leather out there for us this season.”
About Jared:
Favorite food: Cheesesteak
Favorite movie: Happy Gilmore
Favorite music: “The Man” by Aloe Blacc
Joe Levis - Bloomsburg University (Baseball)
Major: Data Science
Final list of colleges: Bloomsburg, The City College of New York, Albright, Penn State Abington
Reasons for choosing Bloomsburg: “I really enjoyed going to the campus and all of its surroundings. Right when I stepped on the campus, I could see myself going there. Overall, it was a really good athletic and academic fit as well, which made the decision to go there even easier to make.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in baseball at the collegiate level? “Baseball has always been my passion, whether I use it as a way to have fun with my friends or a way of relieving any stress that I have. I’ve always wanted to play baseball in college ever since I first knew it was an opportunity. Getting in front of many coaches often helps as you could be a fit at their school, or they could offer some helpful advice.”
Coach Ed Wall says: “Joe going to Bloom is huge. I know coach (Mike) Collins is excited to have him become a Huskie. Joe, unfortunately, has had some limited time behind the dish just because he was playing behind (Kyle) Rizzo the past couple of seasons. He worked while he waited, and that’s a testament to him. He didn’t transfer out, he didn’t move anywhere. He stayed and did the hardest thing, which was to work even when he’s not playing, so that way he's ready for the moment, and he’s ready.
“Joe is going to step right in there, and we’re not going to have much of a letdown from one guy to the other. Joe provides a lot of power and a really strong arm. He has a great catcher’s mindset back there, learning a lot from his father who was a great player himself. I know he’s worked really hard with Joe. We’re looking forward to him commanding our pitching staff and being the everyday guy back there, leading our squad to new heights this season.”
About Joe:
Favorite food: Guacamole
Favorite movie: Batman
Leo Soriano – Thomas Jefferson University (Baseball)
Major: Business
Final list of colleges: Jefferson, Ursinus, The City College of New York, Moravian
Reasons for choosing Jefferson: “The city environment was something I was looking for in a school. I love the city, and I want a change in scenery as I’ve lived in the suburbs my entire life. The school also has a great baseball program. I attended a couple of baseball games last spring, and it was very energetic. I loved the energy
of the team. The school has great academics as well, and everything else about the school was a great fit for me.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in baseball at the collegiate level? “It has always been my dream to play at the next level. I never thought that I wouldn’t be able to reach this goal. I started my recruiting in December of my junior year. I felt that I started too late, and I tried to catch up. I ended up getting some guidance from a great recruiting coach. He helped me connect with college coaches and build relationships. Getting a recruiting coach was one of the best decisions I have made in my baseball career. It got me up to speed, and I’m very grateful for where I am today.”
Coach Ed Wall says: “Leo has been a jack of all trades. He came in as an outfielder and played a lot of outfield sophomore year. Last year, he settled in at third base and played a huge role in our playoff run, locking down third base. He was just rock solid there. Having the senior leadership we had last year, I know he and these other guys took a lot away from that experience, and I know they’re excited to put their stamp on the program. I’m super proud of him going to Thomas Jefferson. He’s an excellent student, an excellent kid, a hard worker, and I’m really excited to see him get out there for us this season.”
About Leo:
Favorite food: Korean Barbeque
Favorite movie: Central Intelligence
Favorite artist: The Weeknd
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