Garrick Waggoner, a shortstop from Nature Coast, has signed to play baseball at Southeastern University in Lakeland. Waggoner’s commitment came after a standout performance against Crystal River on April 7, where he hit an RBI double and made several impressive plays in the field. Southeastern University coach Gabe Grinder was in attendance, and Waggoner’s display helped secure his spot on the team.
Waggoner, who served as co-captain alongside second baseman Bryce Hewell, was a key player in Nature Coast’s successful season, which saw the team achieve a 22-4 record and win a district championship. Coach Dan Garofano praised Waggoner’s clutch performances and leadership, describing him as the “silent assassin” who leads by example. Waggoner and Hewell, who previously signed with Southeastern, plan to be roommates during their time at the university.
Waggoner’s growth as a player was remarkable, according to Garofano. He began as a skinny, 5-foot-nothing kid and developed into a 6-foot or 6-foot-1 player weighing around 170 pounds. More importantly, he made significant strides as a player, initially appearing on the varsity team as a sophomore relief pitcher and later becoming the starter at third base as a junior.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
