FIVE HORNETS LEVEL UP

Julian Castro, Manny Lopez, Ethan Harris, Jake Larson, and Ashton McNaughton will be moving on to the next level after signing deals with four-year colleges.

Julian Castro – RHP - Lenoir-Rhyne
Right-handed pitcher Julian Castro signed with Lenoir-Rhyne University bringing a strong presence and valuable experience to the Bears' pitching staff. Castro impressed this past season taking the mound for the Hornets in 17 appearances, including 13 starts. He logged 67.2 innings while earning a 6-3 record. Castro struck out 31 batters and posted a 4.79 ERA with a 1.55 WHIP, showing both durability and the ability to handle a significant workload. As he heads to Lenoir-Rhyne, Castro will look to continue developing in the classroom and on the field and will look to make an immediate impact at the NCAA Division II level. The Bears gain a young pitcher with tremendous upside eager to grow and compete in the South Atlantic Conference.

Manny Lopez - RHP - Chico State
Right-handed pitcher Manny Lopez wrapped up an impressive sophomore season, solidifying his role as one of the Hornets' most dependable arms. He made 22 appearances showcasing both versatility and durability on the mound with an impressive 7-1 record. Throwing 43.1 innings, Lopez posted a team-best 3.12 ERA and held opposing hitters in check with a 1.38 WHIP. He posted 40 strikeouts, using a mix of velocity and command. Lopez joins a Wildcat team that went 31-22 overall last season competing in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Division 2 conference.

Ethan Harris – RHP – Hawaii Pacific
Right-handed pitcher Ethan Harris will continue his career at Hawaii Pacific University. Harris emerged as a reliable arm out of the bullpen for the Hornets this past season appearing in 11 games, throwing 21 innings while posting a 3.86 ERA. He struck out 10 batters and recorded a 1.62 WHIP. Harris' velocity and command will add depth and versatility to the Shark pitching corps as they look to contend in the PacWest Conference.

Jake Larson - Infielder - Cal State San Marcos
Fullerton College infielder Jake Larson made official and will continue his baseball career at Cal State San Marcos capping off an impressive sophomore season with Hornets. Larson was a key contributor this past season appearing in 45 games and posting an impressive .358 batting average. With 221 plate appearances, he collected 62 hits with 10 doubles, a triple, and 2 home runs. He also added 30 RBI and scored 50 times. His speed was also a factor, swiping 8 bases on the year. Larson's combination of contact hitting, athleticism, and defensive versatility will be an asset for the Cougar's rising program under head coach Jose Garcia.

Ashton McNaughton - RHP - Cal Poly Pomona
Fullerton College right-handed pitcher Ashton McNaughton is taking the next step in his baseball career, signing with Cal Poly Pomona to join the Broncos' pitching staff. McNaughton made 20 appearances for the Hornets this past season, all out of the bullpen. Tossing 29.2 innings, he struck out 22 batters and recorded 2 saves, providing key relief innings in various situations for the Hornets this past season.

2025 Hornets that have signed so far:

Dillon Anderson - Grand Canyon

Julian Castro - Lenoir-Rhyne

Manny Lopez - Chico State

Ethan Harris - Hawaii Pacific

Jake Larson - Cal State San Marcos

Ashton McNaughton - Cal Poly Pomona

Trevor Schmidt - Grand Canyon

Congratulations Julian, Manny, Ethan, Jake, and Ashton on your commitments and best of luck on your continued success!

Once a Hornet, Always a Hornet!

Stay tuned as more Hornets will be signing soon.