Academy Notebook: Eleven class of 2024 athletes commit to play at collegiate level

Class of 2024 athletes commit to playing at collegiate level

A handful of Texas Rangers Youth Academy athletes in the graduating class of 2024 have begun announcing their commitments and signing their National Letters of Intent to continue playing baseball and softball at the collegiate level.

The group includes Rangers Nike RBI athletes, Youth Academy All-Stars and all-around talented baseball and softball players who have dedicated countless hours to improving their skills, earning themselves a spot on their college roster.

The 11 athletes listed below mark the first wave of commits for the class of 2024, bringing the total number of athletes who committed to playing at the collegiate level since the Youth Academy first opened in December 2017 to 106.

Allyson Acosta – McMurry University

Allyson, a Youth Academy athlete and Rangers Nike RBI participant since 2022, will continue her education and softball career at McMurry University in Abilene, Texas, after graduating from The Colony High School in May.

Khaylani Bailey – Dillard University

Rangers Nike RBI pitcher and first baseman Khaylani will continue her education and softball career at Dillard University, a New Orleans-based HBCU, following the completion of her senior year at Cedar Hill High School.

Jackson Berry – Dillard University

Jackson, a Mansfield High School senior and Youth Academy athlete since 2022, was a standout player in the Rangers Nike RBI league and will continue his education and playing career at Dillard University.

Alexis Boswell – Harding University

Upon completion of her senior year at Forney High School, Alexis will take her skills behind the dish to Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, where she will act as the team’s catcher while also taking the field as a reliable utility player.

Jason Flores – University of Texas

Jason, a reliable two-way player, has proven his worth on the baseball diamond at showcases throughout the year while working to fine-tune his pitch arsenal and bat speed. Flores will join the University of Texas Longhorns in Austin following his graduation from Naaman Forest High School.

Giovanca Frias – Vernon College

During her tenure as a Youth Academy athlete, Giovanca has earned multiple Academy All-Star selections and numerous invitations to MLB Develops and USA Softball events, where she’s had the opportunity to fine-tune her pitching and hitting abilities with some of softball’s greatest players. She will continue her education and playing career at Vernon College this fall.

Ana Gonzalez – Vernon College

A consistent All-Star selection, the 2022 MLB Develops Breakthrough Series MVP, and 2023 Jennie Finch Empowerment Award-winner, Ana has proven to be one of the Youth Academy’s top shortstops and will continue to develop her softball skills at Vernon College following her graduation from Midlothian High School in May.

David Hogg II – Louisiana State University

David, a long-time LSU commit and MLB prospect, officially signed with the LSU Tigers last week, where he will continue his education and playing career as one of the first Rangers Youth Academy baseball players to play in one of the NCAA’s Power Five Conferences.

Danielle Jones – Wayland Baptist University

Coming off back-to-back 1st Team All-District selections in her 2022 and 2023 softball seasons at Dallas Christian High School, Danielle will attend Wayland Baptist University as she continues her education and playing career with the Pioneers.

Steven Ramos – Navarro Junior College

A multi-time Rangers Youth Academy All-Star and active participant in baseball programming, Steven, a Trinity Christian Academy senior, will continue his education and playing career at Navarro Junior College.

Trace Spann – Miles College

This year, Trace has reached new heights in his accomplishments at the Texas Rangers Youth Academy, making a name for himself as one of the top players by earning two All-Star team selections for the Rangers’ Commissioner’s Cup and Nike RBI Southwest Regional Tournament, MVP honors for his Rangers Nike RBI team, and the Whataburger Rising Star Award. He will continue his education and baseball career at Miles College in Fairfield, Ala..