Drew Waters has drawn positive reviews for his ability to handle a pitching staff and control the running game despite being just a freshman in HS. The Levittown native opted to attend St. Dominic HS.
Pete Lo Duca, who is an assistant at St. Dominic HS, had the following to say:
“Drew is an exceptional young man and player. There is a level of intensity, focus and determination that Drew brings to every game and to his team. He desmans the best out of himself and wants to be surrounded with those that share a similar mindset. Drew has an above average arm behind the dish and does a great job guiding his pitching staff. No moment is too big for Drew, he wants to be the batter in the box when it matters most. Drew is an impact player that possesses intangibles you cannot see in a bit score and he always finds ways to win. The coaching staff at St. Dominic is excited to have Drew in the program for the foreseeable future.”
Catcher Drew Waters (St. Dominic 2028) getting swings in. Had a great fall for Giac Squad pic.twitter.com/7RuFK3eIvu
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) December 11, 2024
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
How have you enjoyed your time with Giac Squad?
I’ve enjoyed it a lot. I think it’s been easier to be myself and have more time behind the plate being the Number 1 catcher. From the beginning, he showed me a lot of respect and listened to me and cared what I was saying.
Why did you choose to attend St. Dom’s?
I chose St. Dom’s because of the coaching staff and I really like how they played and dominated the Catholic League. The school is a good place to be. The academic and everything around the school is good.
Are you excited to play in the Catholic League?
Yeah I’m excited for the challenge of playing in the Catholic League. That’s the reason I went to go – to face the top level D1 arms. Every team has someone throwing 9- with good breaking stuff. It helps you as a person to deal with failure and all it takes is one pitch to change the game.
Who do you try to model your game after?
I try to model my game after Adley Ruschmann because he is really good hitting catcher. Defensively, he’s really good with one knee down. I like to model my game after him.
When did you start focusing on being a catcher?
I can play anywhere but I started focusing on being mainly a catcher last year. That’s always been my number 1 position. It gets me to places I wouldn’t be at.
Best baseball trip you’ve been on?
Cooperstown. Being in the bunks with everyone that I played three or four years with was just a good experience. We almost won it all with Beast Black. We made it to the Sweet 16 but lost to the No. 16 team in California, EBC. They won the whole tournament. We had beaten them a day before in pool play.
What are your goals for this offseason?
I want to get stronger, improve my physique, and get better behind the plate so I have a better chance to play varsity.
Goals for 2025?
Win a PG Tournament with Giac Squad. We won some local tournaments and we are competitive but I want to see how we would compete there.
At St. Dom’s I want to win the Catholic League and States.
Any family members play college sports?
My dad played gold at Hofstra.
Most thrilling moment of your career?
In Cooperstown, I was pitching. We faced a loud team from Ohio. I wasn’t much of a pitcher but I was dominant and let up just one hit and we advanced further in the playoffs.
Do you take private lessons with anyone?
I take private lessons with Giac and I used to hit with Brad Jackson.
Who are some people that have had a positive influence on your life?
Almost all of my coaches have been influences as a player. Anthony D’Andrea and Giac have helped me get more exposure as a player and grow as a person.
