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Weston Will Play Ball at UNC-Asheville

The NCAA’s early signing period for athletes began November 10 and it could not come soon enough for Spotswood’s Kyle Weston. Since July, he knew the University of North Carolina-Asheville was the right place for him to continue his baseball career. After receiving an offer from the school then visiting the campus this summer, he could find no reason to look further. And no reason to wait to sign on the dotted line when the opportunity arose. So on November 12, he made it official by signing his National Letter of Intent and accepting a partial scholarship to play for the Bulldogs, a Division I program in the Big South Conference.

“I know I will get a great education at Asheville,” noted Weston, the son of John and Cammie Weston. “I really like their entire coaching staff and their philosophy and know I will fit right in with their program.  I'll get a chance to play when I come in and I feel like playing at Asheville will give me the best chance to play at the next level."

UNC-Asheville coaches watched Weston as he played for the Mid-Atlantic Red Sox, a showcase team that travels up and down the east coast.

Clearly, the coaches at Asheville felt equally confident in Weston’s fit with their club and saw no reason to hesitate either.  July 1 marked the point at which NCAA schools could officially talk to eligible athletes and shortly after, Asheville beat all other suitors and extended its offer to the Trailblazer.

“I’m thrilled and can’t wait to see what he does, “ Mike Thompson, SHS head varsity baseball coach, said after the signing. “He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever seen. Kyle MADE this [opportunity] happen.”

To illustrate, Thompson pointed out that Weston had originally been tagged as a potential 2nd or 3rd baseman at the college level with coaches citing a deficit in foot speed necessary to hold down a shortstop position in a D-I program. Not satisfied with that projection, the determined Weston sought help to develop a training regimen to enhance his speed and eventually turned heads with his marked improvement. As a result, Asheville expects to deploy Weston at shortstop when he steps onto the field next fall.

With his senior season ahead and more accolades most certainly to come, Weston’s current resume includes 1st Team All-Massanutten District honors and Honorable Mention All-Region III at shortstop in his sophomore and junior seasons. He represented the West team in the prestigious Commonwealth Games last summer.

Making his decision official, Kyle Weston signs his National Letter of Intent flanked by his family (left), John and Cammie Weston and younger brother, Matt, and (right) SHS head varsity baseball coach, Mike Thompson.

As a junior, Weston hit .487 (28-for-60, including 2 home runs) to lead the Trailblazers. His speed work paid off on the base paths as he posted a team-high 11 stolen bases.

Weston is Spotswood's first Division I player since 2002 when Matt "Pop" Armentrout signed with JMU. Playing D-I baseball is a dream come true, Weston admits. He expressed thanks to his many coaches in attendance at his signing for helping him achieve this goal.

“Wow, this is all happening. It’s just really good to get [this decision] off my back. Now, I know where I am going and I can relax,” the SHS senior said with an expression that conveyed both satisfaction and relief that this November day had finally arrived.