Baseball Victoria Aces Academy alum Jarryd Wood is taking on NCAA Division 1 baseball at University of the Pacific in Stockton, California.
Growing up playing for local clubs Geelong and Guild, Jarryd went on to play representative baseball as part of the Victorian State Team program. His hard work paid off, earning him an academic and athletic scholarship to University of the Pacific where he will suit up for the Tigers.
The shortstop/infielder is following in the footsteps of his brother James who headed overseas to play college ball six years ago. It was then that Jarryd set his sights on going to a Division 1 school, and he was determined to do whatever he could to get there, learning from other passionate players along the way.
“I look up to the older players that have gone overseas from my club Geelong Baycats, it’s always encouraging to see players make it when you grew up playing with them,” Jarryd said. “I’m excited to learn new approaches to the game and to improve physically and mentally.”
Since he first started playing at 8 years old, Jarryd has played on VSBL Charter All-Star teams as well as junior and senior winter carnival teams. As an Aces Academy player for a number of years, Jarryd has sharpened his skills and even earned two Golden Glove Awards as part of Victoria Blue in the U16 AYC and U18 AYC.
Following amazing development and representative opportunities, Jarryd has been concentrating on his upcoming college career, with plenty of challenging workouts to prepare him physically and mentally.
“I’ve been lifting smarter, paying attention to how my body feels and reacts to certain movements,” Jarryd said. “I’ve found that mobility is a big deal for me so I’ve looked to improve that aspect as I have had injuries in the past.“
Jarryd is also getting ready to say goodbye to his beloved family and community.
“I’ll make more friends in college but it’s always hard to leave everyone you love especially during COVID because it’s so much harder to travel back home,” Jarryd said.
Even so, Jarryd is thrilled about this opportunity and hopes younger players can achieve their goals, too. He remains adamant that schoolwork and sports should both be priorities so that athletes can get into their dream schools.
“Work just as hard at school as you do on the field because it opens so many doors to you,” Jarryd said.
Jarryd’s parents Glynis Murfitt and Bruce Wood agree.
“We are so proud of Jarryd and all that he has achieved. He aimed high and planned his subjects at school from Year 9 on in order to achieve the eligibility requirements for his goal and trained and played baseball constantly since he was tiny,” Glynis said. “Through a lot of hard work, he has achieved his goal of receiving scholarships to play baseball at a 4-year school. It is sad not to know he is in the room next door, but we are both excited and happy that he is realising his dream.”
Jarryd’s dad has been involved in the Geelong baseball scene for over 40 years, and the community has been incredibly supportive as the enthusiastic junior rose up the ranks.
“Both of our boys have grown up in and around Guild and Geelong baseball clubs and we feel really fortunate to have been involved with these organisations,” Glynis said. “Jarryd has been lucky enough to have a number of wonderful mentors and coaches who all impacted his life and helped him not only become a better baseball player but grow as a person too.”
Whatever the future holds, he has the full support of his family and the Geelong baseball community.
“We really just want Jarryd to be safe, healthy, and happy and to be able to play baseball for as long as he loves it.”