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Pacia Hoping To Lead LaSalle Back To The Finals

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - After going 20-4 with a state runners-up finish in his first season at the helm in 2019, Thomas Pacia missed out on his second year at LaSalle Academy due to Covid. 

“Last year was a tough one to miss for us,” reflected Pacia, who coached in the LSA program from 2004-17 before taking over as head coach at North Kingstown prior to LaSalle. “We had a talented group of seniors led by Division I players David Marchetti and Andrew Florio. Our expectations were sky high, and the leadership amongst our student-athletes was exceptional. I certainly would have loved to have had last season, and all of the development that goes with it, but obviously everything is in perspective.”

Now the focus is on the upcoming campaign and trying to replace the likes of Marchetti (Rider), Florio (Merrimack), Gianfranco Massina (Salve Regina) and Ryan Perkins.

“Like most teams, we have a bunch of question marks after a full season lost,” explained Pacia, whose first team at LaSalle was beaten in the state finals to Bishop Hendricken 1-0 and 4-3. “We expect to be strong on the mound and excellent defensively.

“While past performances would indicate that our offense will be strong, that might be the biggest team-wide question mark heading into the season. The junior class is strong as well, but they may be the hardest to evaluate in terms of their expected varsity contributions, having lost an important sophomore year which is an issue that many teams face.”

A number of college commits will lead the way for LaSalle this year led by pitcher Owen Zadrozny and catcher Jacob Gaudreau. Zadrozny, the 13th-rated senior RHP in New England, will play at Northeastern while Gaudreau, the third-ranked 2021 catcher. is headed to Bryant.

Roger Marano, the 55th-rated senior shortstop, is a commit to Rhode Island College while Marc Catone, the 17th-ranked 2021 first baseman, is going to Nichols College.

“We have a number of other juniors and seniors getting interest, and a few looking to take a PG year after this one to further their options,” noted Pacia. “Senior John Nardolillo is a solid all-around player and excellent outfielder as well, and will look to step into a leadership role this year while Jack Gannon (44th-rated 2021 outfielder in New England) will be a middle-of-the-lineup senior who hits both for power and average.”

Pacia sees juniors Clyde Bouthier, Kyle Bourque and Marcus Rodriguez playing prominent roles as well this season.

“Clyde has shown strong bursts of power at the plate and sits 85-88 in bullpen sessions,” Pacia said of the 6-2 third baseman and pitcher Bouthier.

“Kyle is a strong right-handed pitcher who sits 85-87 with excellent off speed,” Pacia noted about Bourque, the 81st-rated 2022 RHP who also plays first base. 

“Marcus has lightning fast hands and explosive arm in the infield,” Pacia related about Rodrigues, the 74th-ranked junior shortstop who is a “prototypical second-base build who can drive the ball at the plate.”

Sophomores Mike Salzillo and JJ Sanzi drew praise from the head coach as well as newcomers expected to contribute.

“Mike is an outfielder who can track at an elite level and covers a ton of ground,” Pacia said of Salzillo, the 17th-rated 2023 outfielder in New England. “He will push to start if his bat is equal to the task.

“JJ is an excellent defensive catcher who shows flashes of power at the plate,” Pacia added about Sanzi. “He will likely spell Gaudreau when needed.”

It adds up to a lot of promise in the 2021 season.

“I like that we have solid leadership at the top, strong unity and bond amongst the team, and that our talent is spread well throughout the four classes,” Pacia said. “As coaches, we have to be at the top of our game in terms of evaluation and development given the shortened time frame for the season. Offensively we have a few question marks, and if we reach our potential there, we should see success.

“It will just be fantastic to be back out there competing after a trying year,” added Pacia. “Evaluating the rest of the league is a tough task given last year's hiatus, but I imagine Hendricken, South Kingstown and Coventry will have strong seasons given their returnees. There will undoubtedly be more than one pleasant surprise this year that nobody sees coming given that we are unsure of exactly what to expect.”

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