New Paltz, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz baseball team announced its incoming class for the 2020 season. The Hawks are looking to bounce back from a 13-19 overall season, and hope to gain momentum to earn a spot in the conference playoffs this upcoming year. Second-year head coach Thomas Seay is excited about the 14 incoming recruits and expects they'll make an immediate impact on the success of the 2020 season. 

Scroll down to read more about each incoming Hawk!

To stay up to date with everything #NPHawks be sure to follow us on Twitter at @nphawks, Instagram and Facebook at @newpaltzhawks, and subscribe to our Youtube channel, New Paltz Hawks. 

Frank Arena

Sachem North High School
Lake Grove, NY
Outfield
--
An incoming freshman from Sachem North High School, Arena will provide the Hawks with depth in the outfield and has the potential to earn more playing time as he gains experience at the collegiate level. 

"Frank is an athletic outfielder with a lot of upside and we're really looking forward to what he can really do through the fall in his first year," Seay said. "I think he can really help us out in years to come."










 

Brandon Bernard

SUNY Ulster 
Monroe, NY
Left-Handed Pitcher
--
A sophomore transfer from nearby SUNY Ulster, Bernard will provide the Hawks depth within their bullpen this spring, but according to Seay has the potential to break into the starting rotation in the coming years.

"Super athletic left-handed pitcher, his best days are ahead of him and we're really fortunate that he's going to be in our program," Seay said. "Definitely a guy who is going to help us in our bullpen and maybe a guy who can develop into a guy who can start some games."








 

Nicholas Cassano

Montclair State
Nyack, NY
Infield
--
A sophomore transfer from Montclair State, Cassano has the ability to play multiple positions in the infield, while also already having experience playing Division III college baseball.

"Nick Cassano is an athletic infielder with a lot of versatility," Seay said. "He can play all three infield positions. Physical bat for a smaller statured guy and really, really hungry to get better and help us compete."











 

Eric Fermier

Mercyhurst Northeast
Westfield, NY
Infield
--
A junior college transfer from Mercyhurst Northeast, Fermier will be the ultimate utility player for the Hawks, having the ability to play both infield and outfield. 

"Eric is a guy that can play corner infield, corner outfield [and is] definitely going to give us an impact bat in the middle of our lineup," Seay said. 
 
 









 

Ryan Geraghty

SUNY Orange
Washingtonville, NY
Outfield
--
A junior transfer from SUNY Orange, Geraghty has the ability to make an impact both in the outfield and on the mound for the Hawks, while also providing depth in the lineup and speed along the base paths. 

"Ryan Geraghty is a super athletic outfielder, but also could help us on the mound," Seay said. "Really good runner, someone who is going to be very versatile in our lineup and someone who is going to hit with a little bit of power, steal some bases and be one of those impact guys moving forward."









 

Justin Harvey

Smithtown East High School
St. James, NY
Catcher
--
Harvey will have the opportunity to earn some time behind the plate for the Hawks during his first season. He and twin brother Nick both have the potential to become a crucial part of the SUNY New Paltz baseball program for the next four years.

"Justin is a physical incoming freshman from Smithtown East High School," Seay said. "His physicality will give him a chance to play right away. We're really looking forward to seeing how he competes behind the plate, but also a guy who can play a corner outfield position."








 

Nick Harvey

Smithtown East High School
St. James, NY
Infield/Right-Handed Pitcher
--
Another versatile incoming freshman for the Hawks, Harvey will see time at shortstop and on the mound. He and twin brother Justin have the potential to contribute right away. 

"Definitely think he is going to help us on both fronts. It is going to be interesting to see which one [position] is going to develop quicker," said Seay. "But I definitely think that he and his brother can both be impact players not only as freshmen, but as years progress."










 

Matt Laurelli

LIU-Post
Nesconset, NY
Infield
--
Laurelli spent a season at Division II LIU Post last season. He will be another versatile infielder for the Hawks, especially with his ability to play anywhere in the infield. 

"Again, super versatile infielder, can play all three positions and we're really fortunate to have him," Seay said. "We think he'll play a huge part of our success this coming year."











 

Connor Olson

Monroe Woodbury High School
Monroe, NY
Right-Handed Pitcher
--
A local from Monroe Woodbury High School, Olson is a right-handed pitcher who will see time out of the Hawks bullpen during his first year, but has the potential to become a starter down the road. 

"He's definitely going to be a guy that will see some innings out of the bullpen and as he develops can earn a way into the starting rotation in years to come," Seay said. 












 

Owen Pacchiana

Franklin D. Roosevelt High School
Hyde Park, NY
Left-Handed Pitcher
--
A local incoming freshman recruit from FDR High School, Pacchiana has the potential to develop into a solid starter for the Hawks. Seay was excited with Pacchiana's high ceiling. 

"Tremendous upside, definitely is going to be able to throw out of the bullpen this year, maybe be a spot starter, but tremendous upside," Seay said. "We think he can be in the weekend rotation very quickly in his career here."

Daniel Pero

Midwood High School
Brooklyn, NY
Catcher
--
Pero, whose brother Matthew stars on the Hawks men's swimming team, has the potential to become an All-SUNYAC player according to Seay. Pero's defense behind the plate is there, but once his bat develops he can become one of the best players in the conference.

"Definitely think from a defensive stand point, his ability to play behind the plate is going to be a tremendous asset for us," Seay said. "As the bat develops, could develop into an all-conference guy, but definitely a defensive minded catcher."








 

Carter Sorensen

Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School
Ravena, NY
Infield
--
Sorensen is the ultimate utility player, as he has the ability to play any position in the outfield or infield. Due to his athleticism, he has the ability to see playing time immediately. 

"Carter is a jack-of-all-trades guy," Seay said. "He can play anywhere on the field, can play all three infield positions, all three outfield positions. His speed and athleticism is going to be a huge plus for this year and we truly believe he can come in and be a guy that can play right away."

Adam Webber

Gulderland High School
Schenectady, NY
Catcher/Outfield
--
Another incoming freshman who can provide the Hawks depth behind the plate and in the outfield, Webber will see his role increase as he develops within the program.

"Adam is another versatile guy. He can play the outfield and can also catch," Seay said. "As he develops his role is going to continue to increase. We're really excited to have him in our program."

Nicholas Zangara

Tottenville High School
Staten Island, NY
Left-Handed Pitcher
--
Zangara has the potential to be a dominant pitcher for the Hawks. Coming in as a freshman out of Tottenville High School, Zangara has a high-ceiling and could end up being one of the best arms in the rotation for SUNY New Paltz. 

"Tremendous left-handed pitcher [with a] high pitching I.Q. and a lot of pitchablity," Seay said. "I think that Nick's got a chance to be a front line guy right out of the gate for us. Definitely think with Nick on the mound as a competitor he is going to give us a chance to win every time he steps foot on the mound."