Prep Baseball Report

Being Needed, Wanted Is What Jolly Desired In A College Program


Bruce Hefflinger
Ohio Senior Writer

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Being Needed, Wanted Is What Jolly Desired In A College Program

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Grant Jolly RHP / SS / Wapakoneta, OH / 2025

WAPAKONETA - It was all about finding a place that “needs me and wants me” according to Grant Jolly.

The Wapakoneta senior believes that is the case with Marshall.

“I think I have a better relationship with the coaches this time around,” explained Jolly, who had previously committed to North Carolina State back in September of 2023. “I really got to know them. It truly feels like the right place for me.”

A decommitment to NC State came at the end of October and the 18-year-old quickly found interest.

“I didn’t think NC State was the right place for me so I decided to decommit,” Jolly explained. “Marshall was the first one to contact me after that. I talked to (head) coach (Greg) Beals and that led to talking with the pitching coach (Taylor Sandefur).”

A visit to the university located 31/2 hours from Wapakoneta followed.

“It felt like home,” Jolly related. “The pitching coach is amazing and the facilities are amazing. They’re all great guys.”

While finding the right fit came quickly, Jolly admits getting back in the recruiting process was far from desirable.

“I was committed there for a long time,” Jolly explained. “It was tough to pass up on, thinking it was going to be tough to find somebody that needs me.”

The reduction in roster size played “a little bit” of a role in the decision according to the 14th-rated senior in Ohio.

“I needed to go somewhere I could play right away and get better,” Jolly said.
The belief by Jolly is that Marshall will be just the place for it to happen.

“It’s a relief,” Jolly admitted. “This was super stressful being a senior and not knowing where you’re going.”

It only makes the drive to succeed become stronger.

“There’s a chip on your shoulder,” Jolly said. “Somebody not wanting to keep you drives you to get better.”

Improvement is something Jolly has been working on.

“I’ve gained over 20 pounds since the summer circuit,” noted the 6-0 180-pounder. “I’ve gotten a lot stronger. I haven’t thrown yet, but I’m guessing I’ll throw it a lot harder.”

There is more that Jolly feels will get him on the field sooner than later at Marshall.

“Being able to pinpoint pitches wherever I want,” Jolly said. “If I could add another pitch that would also help. I’ve worked a little on a cutter.”

A fastball, sweeper and changeup completes the current arsenal of Jolly, who is confident about making an impact in the Sun Belt Conference program.

“I’ll bring a strong work ethic and some energy to the program,” explained Jolly, who even talked to Marshall about the possibilities of being a two-way player, depending on how the upcoming high school season plays out. “I’m an energetic person on the field. Energy, grit and a solid work ethic are what I’m looking to bring to Marshall.”

Being closer to home is another plus in the decision by Jolly, who wanted to thank his parents and Prep Baseball for helping make it all possible.

“These are going to be the best years of my life,” concluded Jolly, a 3.7 student at Wapakoneta planning on a finance major at Marshall. “I could feel it when I was down there. It has a great atmosphere with a great fan base. I’m really excited to get down there.”

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