Aiva Arquette is set on the future, thanks in part to a St. Louis Cardinals legend.
The Saint Louis junior shortstop committed to Cal Poly, ending the recruiting war for one of the state’s most promising prospects.
“It feels awesome to commit. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity especially during this time. I enjoyed the process, but it was stressful. It feels good to know where I am going to college for the next four years,” Arquette said. “My parents feel grateful and I know they are proud of me. I think my parents are just happy to see me get one step closer to my dream which is the big leagues.”
The 6-foot-3 standout turned down opportunities at Hawaii, Santa Clara, UC Santa Barbara, Grand Canyon, San Francisco and Sac State.
“With Cal Poly, I fell in love with the coaches and the town. San Luis Obispo has a great vibe to it and the school is in the Big West, so one of the perks is that I get to come home and play (against) UH,” Arquette said on Thursday. “Also, my favorite player of all time is Ozzie Smith. He went to Cal Poly, so I took that as a sign.”
He also plays basketball and spent part of the summer working out with former pro hoopster Derrick Low. The rest of the time, though, was in the cage.
Arquette returned recently from the Arizona Junior and Senior Fall Classics. Prior to that, he played in the Hawaii Sandlot Classic. He earned MVP honors after batting .600 at the Sandlot Classic with a .900 slugging average and .692 on-base percentage while batting leadoff. In California and Arizona, he hit 7-for-17 with a home run, triple and double.
“After the Hawaii Sandlot Classic is when they offered me and from then on I stayed in communication with the coaches. I like how the coaches develop their players and overall I connected well with the coaching staff,” Arquette said.
Cal Poly is one of the many campuses he has set foot on.
“I did visit the campus and was able to spend some time in the town. The campus was beautiful and the field was awesome! Growing up in Hawaii, I’ve always loved to surf. Morro Bay is a popular surf break and is near the campus in case I need to get some ocean time in. I can really see myself there for sure,” he said.
Arquette may major in Sports Recreation or Sports Management, but the vision is all about the MLB.
“Now, I am just focusing on developing as a player and as a student and getting ready for the season. It would be a dream come true to get drafted,” he said. “My great grandfather William “Bill” Azevedo, Saint Louis class of 1938, was a professional baseball player. I know he is looking down proud.”
SLO a great little college town. cal poly is a good school too.