SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Today, Bronco baseball announces the third member of its incoming class of freshmen for 2015-16, Travis Howard. The pitcher currently attends Marana High School in Marana, Ariz.
"I chose Santa Clara because I feel the relationship I have with the coaches and players here will give me the best possible college experience on and off the field," Howard said.
In 2014, Howard and the Tigers finished the season at 16-10 overall and 9-5 in section to take fourth place in Section 6. Led by head coach Erinn McManus, the team won 10 of its first 11 games and scored double-digit runs in six of its first seven games last season. Howard was named 2nd Team All-Southern Arizona during his junior campaign. As a sophomore on varsity in 2013, Howard posted a .545 batting average.
"Travis is a big, imposing presence on the mound and has a chance to pitch in a premium role right away," associate head coach/recruiting coordinator Gabe Ribas said. "Travis has the physicality and the work ethic that are going to lead him to great things. In the recruiting process we really loved the fact that Travis is a multiple sport athlete (also a wrestler), and that he has real grit about him. The mindset, paired with really good stuff is going to give Travis a chance to be very good right away."
A three-sport athlete, Howard took third place at state wresting in both 2013-14, and set a school record with 54 wins —with only six defeats — during his junior year. He caught 32 passes as a tight end and was named 1st Team All-Southern Arizona for his efforts as a junior.
Sports run in the family for Howard, who has relatives that have competed in college football, baseball, soccer and golf — including former 5th-round MLB draft selection Ryan Freeburg, who played for three years in the Colorado Rockies minor league system. Howard's father, Todd, is the Director of Golf at Grand Canyon University.
He intends to study biology at Santa Clara, and career goals include playing professional baseball as well as being a physician's assistant. In his free time, Howard enjoys listening to country music and watching Netflix.
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