Kipp commits to Niagara University

Carter Kipp has his immediate future mapped out and the 17-year-old, Grade 12 student at Notre Dame couldn’t be happier or more relieved. 

Kipp has committed to play baseball at Niagara University in the fall of 2025 and can’t wait to get started on his new journey.

“It’s pretty cool because it really weighs down on you for a while,” Kipp said. “There were a lot of times when I was really unsure what to do so it’s really nice to know it’s over with. It’s nice to just focus on baseball a little bit more.

“I’m super excited. It’s awesome to get the opportunity.” 

Kipp, who plays both corner infield positions, began talks with Niagara after the Purple Eagles coaching staff noticed him while playing in the Canadian Premier Baseball League All-Star game last summer. 

“I played really well there and they started talking to me,” Kipp said. 

Kipp sent Niagara video of himself and then received a call before Christmas with an offer to attend the Division 1 school located in Lewiston, N.Y.

Kipp said it took some soul searching with his parents, Stuart and Tanya Kipp, before finally decided to commit.

“It was a lot thinking. I had to think about what I had to take there so I talked to my parents a lot and went to visit the school,” he said. “It took about a month but I feel it’s the right decision.”

Kipp said the visit to Niagara was key in helping him decide.

“It was really cool, especially the turf field,” he said. “The biggest thing for me were the coaches who were really good guys. That was my favourite part.

“I talked to a few other schools, nothing serious, but the thing I like about Niagara was they really believed in me. I felt they really wanted me. It was huge for me, a big thing. It will help me excel when I am there if they believe in me.”

Niagara assistant coach/recruiting coordinator Matt Spatafora said NCAA rules prohibit him from commenting on Kipp as he is a 2025 recruit. 

“All I can confirm is we are recruiting him,” Spatafora said. 

Kipp hasn’t decided on a major yet — he’s leaning toward something in the business or finance field — and will use next year to work and continue to hone his game.

“That’s why I happy to have the extra year to prepare myself,” he said. “I feel like I will be ready. I’ve worked really hard for this and something I’ve wanted for a really long time and it’s a good school.”

Kipp began his baseball journey locally playing at the rep level in Welland and Niagara Falls. He joined Bulletproof Baseball during the COVID lockdown before moving on to Fieldhouse and then the Ontario Royals.

Kipp, who describes himself as good average hitter with some pop, felt last season was the turning point in his career and made him realize he had the potential to play the collegiate level.

“Last year when went to Canadian Premier League I excelled there and that’s not something you’re sure how it will go because you’re playing with a bunch of elite baseball players,” he said. “I felt I played really well and when I got picked for that all-star team, I felt like I was one of the better players.”

Kipp, who also loves hockey and plays at the A level in Welland, plans to suit up again this summer for the Royals, who are based out of Oakville.

“I’m going to continue to go up to Oakville as much as I can and get extra work in and in August I’m hoping again to be picked for the Premier Team that goes to Florida and maybe with another team if invited. I’m just going to work and practice as much as I can.”

He credits the support of his parents for his success.

“Huge,” he said. “My dad coached and my mom has always supported me. It’s the main reason I was able to do this.”

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