Betts: Terriers' Mota-Dias finds right fit at Wabash Valley

Terriers’ outfielder Ethan Mota-Dias (Georgetown, Ont.) has committed to Wabash Valley College. Photo: Terriers

January 28, 2024

By Matt Betts

Canadian Baseball Network

Ethan Mota-Dias can finally exhale after deciding the next step in his baseball career.

The Terriers outfielder has committed to National Junior College Athletic Association powerhouse Wabash Valley College in Mount Carmel, Ill.

Going through the recruitment process wasn’t easy, Mota-Dias said, but it was well worth it and something he hopes helps him as he goes forward in the game.

“My recruitment experience was definitely a stressful period, having so many things to think about and things to factor in,” he said.

“It definitely wasn't what I expected at all. I never thought I'd be getting most eyes on me through social media, that was definitely one of the biggest surprises.”

The weight of expectations has been put on him before, including at this past year’s Canadian Futures Showcase at Rogers Centre.

That feeling and the pressure that comes along with it will only intensify once he steps on campus.

The Warriors are coming off a 2023 season in which they came up just short of a national championship, falling 13-6 to the College of Central Florida in a winner-take-all final game in Grand Junction, Colo.

The team is also ranked No. 2 by the NJCAA heading into this season.

But the high stakes atmosphere was exactly what Mota-Dias was looking for in his college destination.

“What made Wabash Valley the right fit was the coaches and the amazing people with so much experience,” he said.

“Another thing was just the reputation the school has as an outstanding baseball program.”

Before arriving on campus, he’s hoping to improve his all-around game with plans of making an immediate impact.

Mota-Dias credits the Terriers with helping him achieve the goals he's set and is excited about continuing his development under the guidance of the coaching staff.

“The Terriers have helped me get to this point in my career by doing multiple things,” Mota-Dias said.

“Pushing me hard to get the best out of my skill, having amazing coaches to teach me new things every time I'm practicing or playing, and lastly, making me an overall better player through this past year and a half with the team.”