At just 17 years old, with two high school seasons left in front of him, junior Jackson Loy has already taken a big step in his baseball career. After years of early mornings, late-night cage work, and countless hours behind the plate, the catcher has secured his future by committing to the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB), choosing a program known for sending catchers to the next level. For him, the decision was not just about playing college baseball; it was about finding the right environment to grow, compete, and continue chasing bigger dreams.

“I just really like the place, and I felt like a great opportunity,” Loy said. “I really like the people there, the coaches, and the facilities were very nice. It’s a place I really feel like I can get better and continue my baseball career and keep jumping levels.”

His relationship with UAB started early in his junior year, when communication rules officially allowed college coaches to reach out, but he had already begun building connections before then.

“Aug. 1 of my junior year,” Loy said. “I had some connections with their coach, and that’s what really started that off.”

Locking in a commitment this early has allowed him to shift his focus away from recruiting and completely onto performance, development and leadership on his high school team. What ultimately separated UAB from other programs was its proven track record of developing players, especially catchers, into professional talent.

“Just the history they have producing draft picks was a big factor,” Loy said. “Last year they had a catcher, like me, get drafted, and it’s just a good situation to be in.”

He has already begun building relationships with players in the program, including former UAB catcher Nick Hollifield, who reached out to him after his commitment.

“Nick Hollifield, the catcher that got drafted last year, DM’d me on Twitter,” Loy said. “We were talking a little bit about UAB, and it’s a really great spot.”

He carries personal traditions with him on the field as well, including the jersey number 27, which he was worn throughout almost all of his baseball career.

Modeling his game after one of the best in the majors, he looks to a power-hitting, switch-hitting catcher for inspiration.

“Cal Raleigh,” Loy said. “He’s a switch-hitting catcher just like me. The guy hit 60 home runs last year, so it’s a good guy to have a role model for.”

Loy mentions he started playing baseball at six years old, laying the foundation for the discipline and work ethic that would eventually lead him to this milestone moment. The biggest lesson he has taken from the game has extended far beyond the diamond. That mindset has fueled the countless hours of work behind the scenes, guided by a simple but powerful motivation.

“There’s always somebody out there working when you’re not,” Loy said. “If you’re not working and he is, and you go head-to-head, he’s going to beat you, so you always have to be there, putting in more work than that other person.”

His exposure to college coaches came through high-level competition and national showcases, where he tested himself against the best in the country.

“LakePoint has a big one every year called the National Program Invitational,” Loy said. “My team won that this year, and they invite the top teams from around the country. I also went to a couple of college camps so they could get a better look at me.”

As he looks ahead to his future in green and gold, his message remains short, confident, and full of pride.

“Go Blazers,” Loy said.