Senior Saturday Salute: Derick Donatelli

Name: Derick Donatelli

Sport(s): Baseball

Position: Infield / Pitcher

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa. 

High School: North Hills 

Parents' Names:  Kathy and Fred Donatelli       

Major: Physical Education and Sports Studies

Prior to the season being interrupted, how was the year going - what was the team's expectations and goals?

The year was going fantastic, in my opinion. We just started to align all the pieces the way they should be, and we got our groove going. Our expectation for this season was very high; we had to stay focused, and keep winning, just like we did last year. Since we made it to the Championships in 2019, we had a big target on our backs. The team's overall goal was to get to the PAC Tournament and Championship and win the whole thing. We were unified in our approach — enthusiastic and optimistic. The atmosphere at Ripkin in Myrtle Beach was electric, like it was the beginning of something special.

What are your personal career goals? Jobs, internships, interests moving forward?

My immediate goal is to further my education with a Graduate Degree. Sure, selfishly, I want to pick up right where we left off as a team. But I also am confident that pursuing this degree is the right decision for my future. In the short term this summer, I hope to be working as a baseball coach for a local community team, and working for my father in his small business.  

Do you have any advice for your younger teammates or recruits that are looking at coming to Bethany?

OK, so what I can tell you is that all the clichés are true. Observe. Listen. Learn. Take every opportunity to be a sponge, and cram as much as possible in your four years at Bethany. Try new things. Meet new people. Accept different ideas. Nothing is guaranteed, but don't leave anything out there.

What has it meant to you being a Bison?

It meant everything, I wore my jersey with pride and I always will. And I expect to continue in the future.

Who has supported you during your time as a student-athlete?

My fellow teammates, all of us just pushing each other — whether it was in the weight room at 6am, hitting in the cages with each other, or hitting each other ground ball or fly balls. We all wanted success and we worked so hard for this season. Many of the seniors plan on coming back and finishing what we started.

The faculty, my coaches and the administrators have all been great. And my parents and family. Always there, forever supportive.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic caused the 2020 spring sports to be cancelled. Bethany College wants to thank all of our seniors for representing the Bison in a positive manner and for all their hard work and dedication over their careers at Bethany.