National Signing Day: SFHS baseball player Dylan Lovelace signs with Santa Fe College

BY CLIFF TUMETEL

ALACHUA, Fla. – Today, Santa Fe High School’s very own Dylan Lovelace signed to the next level of his baseball career, and it’s close to home for him. 

The Raider signed his National Letter of Intent with the Santa Fe Saints baseball program, and the college is no stranger to Lovelace, as his family has history over there. “All my family has been there. My brother played in college baseball there a few years back. My mom and dad went there for school,” Lovelace said. He said his parents were especially happy that he gets to stay close to home, but what stuck out to Lovelace was how welcoming the program was to him when he came to visit. 

“Just the environment. I remember going there to throw a bullpen; everybody was welcoming, and this environment was great. I knew right then and there, that was my choice,” Lovelace said. 

Of course, he won’t be the only Raider over there, as he’ll be reuniting with Kyler Nowling, who also went to Santa Fe High and signed with the Saints later on. Lovelace says Nowling is a close friend and that they have stayed in contact. “I text him a lot. We’re pretty close, we’re good buddies. It helps to move over, to know people over there and to be so close,” Lovelace said. 

SFHS Head Coach Travis Yeckring has seen Lovelace put in the work, from helping his teammates to improving on his craft. He says Saints fans can expect a great pitcher, once he steps on the mound. “I think they’re going to get a conference starter and a guy that will be a lot of fun to watch pitch,” Yeckring said. 

This is Lovelace’s senior year, and Coach Yeckring wants to make sure the Saints commit competes and has a good time before heading out to his next destination. 

The Raiders open the 2024 season on Feb. 22 versus Keystone Heights.