It's been some six to eight weeks or more since Gabriel Larocque has been included in an on-line group chat with the remaining class of 2026 incoming recruits to the University of San Francisco Dons baseball program.

That, however, is not quite the same as putting pen to paper and making the NCAA commitment process official - a milestone that Larocque and the entire crew at The Baseball Academy celebrated a few weeks back - officially.

In fact, it's been more than three months now since Larocque and his family made their visit to California and verbally agreed to the destination of choice for the talented young catcher.

The ensuing months, apparently, have only strengthened his resolve with regards to his future whereabouts.

"I am feeling even more comfortable and happy with the decision," said Larocque. "I've learned a lot more about the school, more about the 2026 class, the guys that I will be spending four years with."

"I am just really excited now to get down there."

The fact that the workmanlike approach has not changed one iota as Larocque hits the next phase of the process is not the least bit surprising to a young man who has been there virtually every step of the way.

"There is a certain focus level that he possesses that I don't think a lot of other players at his age group have," noted Ethan Jodouin, General Manager of The Baseball Academy.

"He carries himself with a confidence that, regardless of his age, he is ready to go. Its that kind of leader energy that allows him to flourish."

In fact, as we chatted about some of the newer facets to his development that he is looking forward to prioritizing during his time in San Francisco, Larocque veered off in a most unexpected yet fascinating direction.

"My base running," he suggested. "The head coach is really big into base running - and they are a big base running school."

While Larocque possesses the kind of all-around athleticism that will serve him well on the base paths, it's his baseball IQ that has the potential to make the biggest difference in each and every facet of his game.

"If you have speed but no awareness, it's not going to play well," he said. "If you can get a good jump, reading the pitcher, reading the catcher, you can get there that much quicker. But speed obviously helps."

That kind of insight bodes well as Larocque makes a direct jump from the SDSSAA high-school ranks directly to NCAA Division I baseball, a leap that, to the best of our knowledge, no previous Sudbury athlete has ever accomplished in this sport.

"It's been an exciting journey to watch - but the best is yet to come," said Jodouin.

And now that it's official, the watch is on.