Pietsch scores a home run with American College deal

“I am on an academic scholarship,’’ Charlie said. “And will be doing a four-year science degree with a focus on chemistry and physiotherapy.”

“My dad and I went on a trip in March and visited 10 colleges that I received offers from. St Olaf was at the top of our list,” he said. “I spoke to the coach, and they watched a video of me playing baseball at the Australian National Championships, assessed my school results and then offered me a place.

“St Olaf is a great fit for me as I have a passion for the arts, and the culture on offer at the College was just next level compared to the other colleges we visited.”

It won’t be the first stint in the United States for Charlie, as his family lived in Washington for four years before moving to Toowoomba, where he attended Concordia Lutheran College.

“St Olaf reminds me of Concordia and the personal approach they take to education. Any Concordia time is dedicated to you, to help you reach your best. I don’t think any other school would have allowed me to pursue my dreams to the degree that I have. The support I received while at Concordia has made a massive difference,” he said.

“Even since we lived in the United States, I’ve wanted to go back and play college baseball. I’m really excited to leave home, but sad and anxious at the same time.

“I realise it’s such an opportunity that not many people get, so I am determined to make the most of it. Concordia helped me when I moved to Australia, and I’ll take those coping skills with me back to the United States for University.

“I’ll stay in contact with my friends at Concordia and hopefully get to reunions. I loved it here and could not imagine attending any other school.”

Charlie’s dream is to play professional Major League Baseball in the United States, and he knows the College system will give him exposure to the demands of playing elite-level sport.

“I’ve been given a spot on the baseball team, and the aim is to make the conference championships every year. College baseball attracts thousands of spectators, and in some ways, it is only just below the professional level,” he said. “I am looking forward to the atmosphere.

“I played a gold medal game at the national titles in Sydney in 2023, and it was the most electric atmosphere. I think the US College system will be like that every week during the season and then some. My dream is to play baseball professionally, but I know it’s really tough and there are only three Australians playing in the Major Leagues at the moment, which is why I wanted a school that has high academic standards as well as a quality athletics program.

“When I graduate, I will have a degree that will allow me to explore a career in science or give back to the baseball and sports community of Australia.”

Charlie will be the only Australian on campus next year and will look to find his niche, just like he did at Concordia.

“I’ve been working hard for seven to eight years (training and gym, skills work and games) about five times a week, and it wasn’t until four months ago that I knew I had a spot.

“There were moments when I wasn’t sure if I would end up going, and that a pathway wasn’t looking like it would open, but I kept telling myself I am passionate about this. I just need to commit to it, put in the work, and opportunity will come your way.

Charlie is also taking some good form with him as he finished in the top five for batting averages in the Queensland men’s competition this season and hopes to return next winter (summer break in the United States) to Toowoomba.

“My grandparents and family members will visit regularly, but I won’t get back until summer break next year.”