Summer Success for Catamounts in Collegiate Baseball
Western Carolina University’s baseball program has been making headlines this summer as several of its recent alumni and current players have earned national recognition in collegiate summer leagues.
Marshall McGowan, a standout hitter for the Strasburg Express in the Valley Baseball League, was crowned National Hitter of the Week by the National Alliance of College Summer Baseball. His .454 batting average last week featured three doubles, two triples and two home runs, while he drove in 12 runs and scored seven times.
The accolade reflects a broader trend of Catamounts excelling on the wood‑bat circuit, with the team placing three players on the Valley Baseball League All‑Star roster.
Caden Haywood and Colton Starling, both members of the Express, earned the All‑Star nod, while Tyler Oaks represented the Winchester Royals in the same showcase. Turner Gross also made an appearance in the Florida Collegiate Summer League All‑Star game, highlighting the depth of talent emerging from Western Carolina.
Prospects on the Rise
Adding to the momentum, former Catamount Pascanel Ferreras has been called up to the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, the Triple‑A affiliate of the Houston Astros. Since the promotion, Ferreras is batting .366 with 11 doubles, a triple and two homers, underscoring the program’s pipeline to professional baseball.
Coaching staff members say the achievements reflect the university’s commitment to developing well‑rounded athletes who can transition smoothly from college to summer competition and beyond. As the summer season winds down, the Catamounts look to carry this success into the upcoming collegiate campaign, aiming to translate league honors into stronger performances on the NCAA stage.