Gantz Looking Forward To Making An Impact At Maine

Monty Gantz C / OF / Westminster School, RI / 2026

BARRINGTON, R.I. - The chance to be part of the Future Games played a major role in the recruiting process for Monty Gantz, who is now a University of Maine commit.

“The whole process started at the Future Games last year,” the incoming senior at Westminster School reflected. “Before the Future Games I’d only talked to one school. The Future Games set me up with talking to schools I never thought I’d hear from. It was the best opportunity anyone could ask for

“It made a huge impact on me in August,” continued Gantz, referring to the time when college coaches began reaching out to players in the 2026 class. “I had some offers, but I wanted to take my recruiting process slower and see how my high school season went.”

It was not long ago that the 18-year-old and the head coach at the American East Conference university connected.

“Maine reached out in early spring and came to see me play one of my last high school games,” related Gantz, who noted that Maine had previously made contact on Aug. 1, the initial day coaches could talk to 2026 players. “That led to more conversations and they extended an offer. I went on a visit and loved everything about it. I loved (head) coach (Nick) Derba and the success he has had and I wanted to be part of their goals and decided to commit to Maine.”

That came in early June.

“I liked the facilities, the atmosphere and the goals coach Derba has for the program,” the 14th-rated 2026 catcher in New England explained. “He’s a good guy and believes in me. They thought I was a good person and I think he’s a great guy to run their program.”

There were many other schools that were part of the recruitment of the sixth-ranked senior in Rhode Island.

“I talked to a good amount of other schools, there were 28 or 29 throughout the process,” Gantz said. “I narrowed it down to a few schools, with URI and Maine my two favorites. I liked both and they’re close to home. I decided I wanted to stay in the New England area for college. (Head) Coach (Raphael) Cerrato is a great guy and the school is in my home state.”

But the university in Orono, located 31/2 hours from home, is where Gantz decided was best for his future.

“Since I was six, seven, eight years old I’ve wanted to play college baseball,” the top-rated 2026 catcher in Rhode Island pointed out. “The ultimate dream is to go pro. It’s a dream I’ve had since I was a little kid.”

That goal still remains, with the 5-11 188-pounder appreciating assistance he encountered along the way.

“Prep Baseball was amazing in helping me,” related Gantz, who has attended more than a dozen events with the organization. “To see how I stack up in the rankings, it’s really good exposure. It’s the best thing you can do to get in front of coaches. The Future Games was the biggest thing.”

A catcher who can also play outfield, Gantz is confident he can make an impact in a program that won the American East Conference regular-season title in 2022 and 2023, making an NCAA Tournament appearance in ’23 after winning the league tourney.

“I can be a very versatile player who can play anywhere,” Gantz said. “Coach Derba needs me to fill roles and I’ll definitely contribute with my bat.”

A major in business and minor in finance is the plan for the 3.7 student, who is thrilled about what lies ahead.

“It was a great feeling to commit and I’m really excited to get there,” Gantz concluded. “I can’t wait for the everyday grind of lifting and practicing every day. It will be different but I’m really looking forward to it.

“My goal is playing pro and this is a piece of the journey. I believe it will make me stronger being part of a group of guys with the same goals as me, to win the league and get better as a player and as a person.”