Merrick Belding
Staff Writer

Grant Goodman

Grant Goodman is a Sophomore pitcher who is currently sidelined from a recent Tommy John surgery. After an impressive freshman year, one of Goodman’s biggest accomplishments was getting drafted in the 36th round last year, “it’s something I’ll always remember even if I stop playing baseball.” He looks up to Matt Harvey, Goodman says, “especially after my injury and how he (Matt Harvey) has bounced back and how he goes about his life…he’s someone who motivates me.” Goodman, a business administration major, says his favorite hip hop artist is J-Cole, and his favorite movie is “The Graduate.” Coming from Burlingame High School, he hopes to bounce back from his injury and continue to succeed at USF.

Nico Giarratano

Nico Giarratano is also a business administration major playing in his second year at USF as the starting shortstop and son of coach Nino Giarratano. Aside from excelling on the field, Nico enjoys listening to music by Miguel and watching his favorite movie, “The Last Samurai.” This past summer Nico played in the Cape Cod league for the Y-D Red Sox and helped them win a championship, he said it was “an unbelievable experience.” If he could model his play after one player it would be Derek Jeter. Nico hopes to graduate from the University of San Francisco and play professionally. You could argue that USF is in Nico’s blood – his sister graduated from USF, his mom works here, and his dad coaches the baseball team.

Frank Waliczek

Frank Waliczek is a reliever and a transfer student from Chicago, Illinois. Currently in his first semester at USF, he is a politics major with an English minor, and pre-law. Waliczek loves being a Don, “I love USF, the campus is gorgeous, even that sweaty hike up Lone Mountain to worth the view.” Waliczek is a “huge movie guy,” and enjoys “anything with Seth Rogen in it.” As for music, the left-hander listens to “everything except very bad rap.” In high school, Waliczek threw a no-hitter, he said, “it happens fast, everything is working and you’re just rolling.” But his most memorable baseball experience was making the Junior College World Series his freshman year, “I hope we can do the same thing here at USF with a great bunch of guys.”

Photo Credits: Dons Athletics