Cole Semel ’25 is the first student this year to commit to college for baseball, choosing Emerson College after years of dedication to academics and athletics.
According to Athletic Director Bill Klose, Cole’s commitment to Emerson reflects his hard work. “It feels great that all that work paid off and that I found a school, not just for athletics, but also for my academics and somewhere I can go for four years and love,” Cole Semel ’25 said.
Cole began his baseball journey at the age of 4, playing in his local T-ball league. Over the years, his love for baseball grew, and he now plays as both a pitcher and shortstop for Friends Select’s baseball team. In addition to playing for the school, Cole has also been part of the Anderson Monarchs, a well-known team that focuses on bettering youth through both sports and education.
His journey to college baseball started to take shape during his sophomore year, when he decided to fully commit to the sport, setting a goal to play at the college level. “I always saw myself here, but actually being here, it’s just amazing,” Cole said.
Cole’s recruiting process with Emerson began over the summer. After visiting the campus, he realized Emerson was the perfect fit. Cole was impressed by the school’s strong journalism program and vibrant campus. “I got in contact with the coach over the summer… I loved being in downtown Boston,” Cole said.
When asked if he expects to start for Emerson as a freshman, Cole expressed uncertainty. Although some players are graduating, leaving potential openings, he isn’t sure how much playing time he’ll get, but he is optimistic about contributing in the future.
Bill praised Cole’s dedication to the sport and leadership amongst the team, highlighting how his hard work during the off-season contributed to his success. “His dedication to greatness in the sport is what helped him get into a college program,” said Bill Klose.
Even after committing to Emerson, College Counselor Rachael Polton emphasized that students like Cole should remain academically engaged. “It is so rewarding for students to see their commitment to their sport pay off when they are recruited,” Rachael said. “We recommend that students stay engaged in their classes and activities, as admissions officers continue to monitor their academic performance throughout the year.”
As Cole prepares for his journey at Emerson, he’s excited to balance baseball and his passion for journalism. While he doesn’t plan to pursue baseball professionally, his dedication to his future journalism career is clear. “Being able to tell stories from different angles is just very interesting to me,” Cole said.
