Photo by: Owen Main | Cal Poly Athletics
Cal Poly Players Trust Launches Campaign to Boost Baseball Scholarships
6/16/2025 5:00:00 PM | Baseball
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Cal Poly Baseball is riding a wave of momentum after a historic 2025 season, and with the support of dedicated donors and the newly established Players Trust, the program is poised to reach even greater heights.
The Mustangs dominated this year, finishing 43-19 overall and 23-7 in conference play, securing their second Big West Championship and advancing to the NCAA Eugene Regional Final. There, they upset host Oregon before falling to eventual College World Series participant Arizona.
Offensively, Cal Poly established itself as one of the nation's elite, ranking 6th in total hits heading into postseason play. Individual standouts shined as well, with eight Mustangs earning All-Big West honors, including First Team selections Griffin Naess, Ryan Fenn, Zach Daudet, and Alejandro Garza. The accolades continued nationally, with Fenn (ABCA All-West Region First Team), Garza (ABCA All-West Region Second Team), and Nate Castellon (NCBWA Freshman All-American) adding to the program's prestige.
Now, with the NCAA's landmark settlement in House v. NCAA, college baseball programs can offer scholarships to all rostered players — a game-changer for mid-major programs like Cal Poly. Previously limited to 11.7 split scholarships, teams can now provide up to 34 full scholarships, dramatically reshaping recruitment and retention.
For the Mustangs, this presents an opportunity to elevate the program's competitiveness — but success hinges on the continued support of alumni and donors.
Michael Costa ('79), a longtime supporter, emphasized the urgency of investing in the program's future: "When I was at Cal Poly, our success was built on grit, hard work, and brotherhood. But today's landscape demands more. If we want Mustang Baseball to compete at the highest level, we must act now. Scholarships are the foundation. I give back because this program gave me lifelong lessons, a world-class education, and memories I'll cherish forever. The next generation deserves even greater opportunities."
Matt Brady ('99) echoed the sentiment, highlighting the Players Trust as a way to uphold Cal Poly's legacy: "Many of us relied on partial scholarships or walked on—financial support was scarce. Now, with revenue sharing, our contributions through the Players Trust can ensure today's players get the same life-changing experience we did. This is how we honor Mustang Baseball's tradition while building its future."
Head Coach Larry Lee, who has long navigated the challenges of competing against powerhouse programs, praised the donor community's commitment: "Our supporters have already helped transform our facilities into some of the West Coast's best. Now, with their investment in scholarships, we're positioning Cal Poly Baseball for sustained success. Their belief in this program is invaluable."
Alejandro Garza, the team's fiery third baseman, two-time all-conference standout, and heartbeat of one of the nation's top mid-major programs, knew the weight of opportunity. Like many of his teammates, he played on a partial scholarship, but that didn't stop him from leaving everything on the field.
When thanking the donors, his voice carried the grit and gratitude of a player who understood the stakes. "I'm beyond blessed for this support — it's life-changing, not just for me, but for my entire family. Knowing people believe in us, that they're willing to invest in our futures? Their generosity doesn't just lift me; it lifts this whole team."
With significant funds already raised, the focus turns to expanding scholarship support — ensuring Cal Poly can attract top talent and build on this year's success in pursuit of the ultimate goal: Omaha. With the backing of the Mustang community, that dream is closer than ever.
How to Help: Supporters can contribute to the Players Trust to directly impact student-athlete scholarships and program growth. Contact Jenna Tognazzini or Ariana Avila, or head to our Players Trust page to help!
Jenna Tognazzini
Associate Athletic Director, Development
jtognazz@calpoly.edu
Ariana Avila
Director of Development
aavila77@calpoly.edu
Read more about the Players Trust
The Mustangs dominated this year, finishing 43-19 overall and 23-7 in conference play, securing their second Big West Championship and advancing to the NCAA Eugene Regional Final. There, they upset host Oregon before falling to eventual College World Series participant Arizona.
Offensively, Cal Poly established itself as one of the nation's elite, ranking 6th in total hits heading into postseason play. Individual standouts shined as well, with eight Mustangs earning All-Big West honors, including First Team selections Griffin Naess, Ryan Fenn, Zach Daudet, and Alejandro Garza. The accolades continued nationally, with Fenn (ABCA All-West Region First Team), Garza (ABCA All-West Region Second Team), and Nate Castellon (NCBWA Freshman All-American) adding to the program's prestige.
Now, with the NCAA's landmark settlement in House v. NCAA, college baseball programs can offer scholarships to all rostered players — a game-changer for mid-major programs like Cal Poly. Previously limited to 11.7 split scholarships, teams can now provide up to 34 full scholarships, dramatically reshaping recruitment and retention.
For the Mustangs, this presents an opportunity to elevate the program's competitiveness — but success hinges on the continued support of alumni and donors.
Michael Costa ('79), a longtime supporter, emphasized the urgency of investing in the program's future: "When I was at Cal Poly, our success was built on grit, hard work, and brotherhood. But today's landscape demands more. If we want Mustang Baseball to compete at the highest level, we must act now. Scholarships are the foundation. I give back because this program gave me lifelong lessons, a world-class education, and memories I'll cherish forever. The next generation deserves even greater opportunities."
Matt Brady ('99) echoed the sentiment, highlighting the Players Trust as a way to uphold Cal Poly's legacy: "Many of us relied on partial scholarships or walked on—financial support was scarce. Now, with revenue sharing, our contributions through the Players Trust can ensure today's players get the same life-changing experience we did. This is how we honor Mustang Baseball's tradition while building its future."
Head Coach Larry Lee, who has long navigated the challenges of competing against powerhouse programs, praised the donor community's commitment: "Our supporters have already helped transform our facilities into some of the West Coast's best. Now, with their investment in scholarships, we're positioning Cal Poly Baseball for sustained success. Their belief in this program is invaluable."
Alejandro Garza, the team's fiery third baseman, two-time all-conference standout, and heartbeat of one of the nation's top mid-major programs, knew the weight of opportunity. Like many of his teammates, he played on a partial scholarship, but that didn't stop him from leaving everything on the field.
When thanking the donors, his voice carried the grit and gratitude of a player who understood the stakes. "I'm beyond blessed for this support — it's life-changing, not just for me, but for my entire family. Knowing people believe in us, that they're willing to invest in our futures? Their generosity doesn't just lift me; it lifts this whole team."
With significant funds already raised, the focus turns to expanding scholarship support — ensuring Cal Poly can attract top talent and build on this year's success in pursuit of the ultimate goal: Omaha. With the backing of the Mustang community, that dream is closer than ever.
How to Help: Supporters can contribute to the Players Trust to directly impact student-athlete scholarships and program growth. Contact Jenna Tognazzini or Ariana Avila, or head to our Players Trust page to help!
Jenna Tognazzini
Associate Athletic Director, Development
jtognazz@calpoly.edu
Ariana Avila
Director of Development
aavila77@calpoly.edu
Read more about the Players Trust
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