After a historic 2025 run that crowned the Acalanes Dons as NCS Division II Champions, the message heading into 2026 is simple: let’s do it again. With a championship banner hanging and a roster stacked with talent and confidence, Acalanes baseball is loading up for another statement season. The Dons closed out 2025 by taking down Rancho Cotate 7–1 to seal the NCS Division II crown. Balanced offense. Lockdown pitching. Poise when it mattered most. That DNA remains. Yes, the Dons said goodbye to key seniors from last year’s title team, and no, nobody’s panicking. Not even a little. The next wave is already battle-tested. No worries. Zero. Zilch.
They Don’t Flinch. They Finish. A core group of strong Varsity players is back and ready to run the show in the field and at the plate. Drew Asadorian, Jimmy Cusumano, Josh Lee, Tyler Winkles, and Tommy Terhar bring edge, experience, and production, the kind of players who don’t flinch in big moments or shy away from the spotlight. Jasper Stewart will add to that firepower later in the season once he returns from a football injury, giving the lineup an extra boost when it matters most. And just when opponents think they’ve figured things out, a hungry group of rising underclassmen is knocking on the Varsity door, ready to learn fast, play fearless, and remind everyone that the future has already started warming up in the on-deck circle.
Arms for Days on the Mound: If pitching wins championships, the Dons are well-positioned to make another run. The staff is led by senior aces Isaac Copen (Cal commit) and Branson Smith (Claremont McKenna commit), who provide consistency and leadership at the top. Junior Austin McManamon returns with bringing power, poise, and versatility on the mound. The deep bullpen includes left-hander Riley Gates, senior Gavin Beers, and several other arms ready to close games. Whether in key middle innings or high-leverage situations, these Dons have proven they can handle tough outs.
With contributors across the diamond and a coaching staff committed to development and winning the right way, Acalanes enters 2026 with expectations, not pressure. With elite arms, confident bats, championship swagger, and hunger to prove 2025 was only the beginning, the 2026 Dons are coming. ALL IN!
Save the Date: Be there. On April 18, 2026, the Dons take the field at Oracle Park under the lights for a showdown against Marin Catholic in one of the premier high school matchups of the year. This is more than a game; this special night is also a fundraising event benefiting Dante’s Boy Foundation, making your presence even more meaningful. Every cheer, every ticket, and every moment helps support an incredible cause.
Dons fans, parents, alumni, and staff—hop on BART at 3:30 PM and join the ultimate game-day ride to San Francisco! Arrive in time for pregame festivities for students and fans, celebrate with the Dons on the Jumbotron, cheer during Senior Recognition, and watch the team warm up before first pitch at 5:30 PM. Skip the traffic, ride together, support the cause, and be part of an unforgettable night as the Dons take the field on the biggest stage!
