3 Marjory Stoneman Douglas Student Athletes Announce College Picks

Calvin Fowler, Cayden Freels and Jacob Herzberg. {MSD Athletics and Sidney Berthiaume}

By: Matt Rothman

Marjory Stoneman Douglas had three more student-athletes officially commit to continuing their college athletic career.

Calvin Fowler

Calvin Fowler is signed to play at Duquesne University in Pennsylvania this fall after playing one season for the Eagles. The star defensive back says many people doubted him along the way, but he always believed in himself.

“Playing Division I ball is a big commitment in itself because the majority of your time is predicated on football,” said Fowler. “It’s more mental than it is physical.”

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Calvin Fowler Jr. {MSD Football}

Fowler comes from an athletic family, with his grandfather playing in the 1968 Olympics and the New York Knicks in the 1970s. Also, his father was McDonald’s All-American in high school and played D1 basketball at the University of Delaware, while his Uncle played college basketball at Old Dominion University.

Fowler only began football two years ago in Philadelphia at St. Joseph Prep before moving to Parkland as a senior. He helped the Eagles win six games and make it to the State Playoffs, while Fowler recorded 18 tackles in those ten games and nine pass breakups.

“The team felt like a family, and I’ll never forget the role they played in my life,” Fowler added. “It’s deeper the football, and if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. I give them all the credit. They really bring the school together more than any other sport at MSD.”

Coach Quentin Short is confident that Fowler’s best football is only in front of him.

“He came to us will limit football experience but worked really hard to better himself with hard work, film study, and extra work,” said Coach Short. “He has a huge upside with great speed and size.”

Duquense will open up their 2022 season with a matchup against Florida State University on August 27 after going 7-3 last season.

Cayden Freels

Senior catcher Cayden Freels is set to play college baseball at Roanoke College in Virginia.

“It’s a great feeling to know that I’m going to be playing baseball in college and continue the sport I love,” said Cayden. “Roanoke’s academics and the campus really drew me in. Another huge part of my decision was the baseball coach and their amazing facility.”

Cayden has played baseball his entire life and has competed for Parkland Pokers. He then was a part of the Eagles State Championship team in 2022 and hit .333.

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Cayden Freels. {Sidney Berthiaume}

Along the way, Cayden says he had received tremendous support from his father, Stacey Freels, who coached him when he was young. Also, his mother, Danielle, and Coach Todd Fitz-Gerald have been influential in pushing Cayden to his potential.

However, he says nobody has made a bigger impact than his older sister, Brianna.

“She has sacrificed more than anyone I know to let me live out my dream,” Cayden added. “I can’t thank her enough.”

Jacob Herzberg

Herzberg is officially committed to William Peace University in North Carolina.

“To be offered an opportunity to play college baseball is a dream come true for me, and now I will need to take the hard work to an even higher level, and I look forward to this next chapter in the fall of 2023,” Herzberg said.

Herzberg wanted to attend a smaller school and focus on academics but also have a significant college experience right by Raleigh. Also, he connected with the coaching staff that wanted to win a National Championship.

Herzberg began his baseball career at four and has played competitively with the Westglades Middle School’s club team, West Broward Warriors, Weston Hawks, Parkland Pokers, and Primal 9.

He has played under Monarch High School Head Coach Mike Ramaglia, Coach Fitz-Gerald, Jason Stetnner, Rich Hofman, and former MLB player Alex Arias. Also, Herzberg’s parents, Michael and Maryann, have been right there with him and saw his son win a State Championship

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Jacob Herzberg {Sidney Berthiaume}

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Matt Rothman

Matt Rothman is a 2018 graduate from Florida Gulf Coast University receiving his bachelor’s degree in journalism and then graduated from the University of Florida as a graduate student. He also works for the Mohave Valley Daily News in Bullhead City, Arizona covering high school sports.