The fit couldn’t be better.

For hard-throwing right-hander Trinidad (LT) McDonell, his next step onto the diamond aligns his talent and values. The former Panthers player has signed to play collegiate baseball for Southwest Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas, this year.

After a stellar career in the orange and black for Tim Passell’s Panthers, including a selection on the first team, all-Intermountain League squad, McDonell set his sights on playing competitively at the next level.

McDonell’s high school career wrapped up with another 3A regional appearance, as McDonell picked up a 4-1 record in his senior year, with an ERA just over 3.00. Known for his fastball, McDonell curated an arsenal of off-speed pitches to complement his strikeout pitch.

McDonell also showed his range as an infielder for the Panthers, hitting at a .362 clip and providing a steady defensive glove when he wasn’t on the mound.

Meanwhile, McDonell’s on-field demeanor brought a steady, calming influence to a youthful Panthers squad. His alignment with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes helped him to serve as a leader within the baseball program, along with a guiding role on the local American Legion squad and in his other M-CHS athletic endeavors.

McDonell served as the netminder for the M-CHS soccer team and provided an interior presence for the Panthers basketball team during his well-rounded high school athletic career. His prowess on the pitch earned him two all-league selections in the Intermountain League, including Goalkeeper of the Year from his junior year.

He looks to join a baseball program that enjoyed unprecedented success during the 2022 season. SAGU qualified for its first National Christian Colleges Athletic Association World Series, posting their best record, 38-16, in the process.

Based just south of Dallas, SAGU plays in the Sooner Athletic Conference, which is affiliated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. With McDonell on board, the Lions aim to duplicate their recent success in pursuit of league and national titles.

He will wrap up his American Legion career with a handful of contests remaining this summer before shifting his focus to donning the purple and gold of SAGU in fall.

For coach and mentor Tim Passell, McDonell’s achievements are fully deserved. “His coaches and family are so proud of him for his commitment to excellence in the classroom and on the field,” said Passell. “I have no doubt that he’ll continue to excel at the next level.”