The journey from New Zealand to college baseball in the United States is a path few have taken, but for Taichi Nakao and Harrison Lough, it has been a transformative experience filled with challenges, growth, and memorable moments. Both athletes have navigated the unique challenges of international recruiting, particularly during the COVID years, balancing academics and athletics, and thriving in competitive environments.

Taichi Nakao’s baseball journey is defined by determination and resilience. Growing up in Blockhouse Bay, New Zealand, Nakao always aspired to play college baseball in the United States.

After struggling to connect with coaches through recruiting platforms, he took matters into his own hands, sending nearly 150 personalized emails with videos attached. “The biggest challenge was getting exposure to college coaches from New Zealand," Nakao explains. “But being from New Zealand made me memorable to coaches and teammates. It was a good conversation starter and helped me connect with people." His persistence paid off when Coach Schulte from Southeastern Community College, in particular, expressed interest, drawn to Nakao’s skills and the work ethic evident in his videos. Attracted to the program’s winning culture and competitive atmosphere, after many calls and emails with Schulte, Nakao committed and made the leap to the U.S. Committing to Southeastern allowed Nakao to refine his skills and adapt to the American style of play, emphasising fundamentals, discipline, and toughness.

For aspiring college baseball players, Taichi stresses the importance of good habits, consistency, and being proactive in the recruiting process. “How you do anything is how you do everything," he says. Developing strong fundamentals, good numbers in key metrics, and professional highlight videos can make a difference. Nakao also advocates for the JUCO route, especially for players seeking challenges and growth. “JUCO was tough, but it made me the player I am today. The long practices and many games prepared me for everything that came after."

Meanwhile, Harrison Lough’s recruitment journey took a different approach. Harrison used a recruiting platform and sent individual emails to schools, ultimately receiving multiple offers from JUCO, NAIA and DII programs. With the NAIA and DII schools, Lough was able to negotiate higher scholarships, demonstrating that the initial offer isn’t always the final word. Opting to commit directly to a Division II school (D’Youville University), Lough valued the stability of a four-year program and appreciated the belief his coach had in him from the start. “I felt like the coach truly had a good plan for personal and team success and believed in me,” Lough shares. The opportunity to play immediately and develop over four years was a key factor in his decision. Lough’s advice to aspiring international players is straightforward: “Find a coach who you think has a good plan for your success and someone who believes in you. Don’t say no to a school just because of its division, see what they have to offer. And don’t underestimate the cold.”

For both players, the transition to U.S. college baseball was demanding. Nakao recalls the rigorous training and long hours at his JUCO, where the grind of baseball and academics left little time for anything else. “At JUCO, we practiced a lot, including conditioning and weights. It felt like baseball and school were all I did," he says. The intense schedule tested his discipline and resilience but moulded him into a tougher, more competitive player. The experience also emphasised fundamentals and attention to detail, traits he continues to value. The move to NCAA Division II at Lander University brought new challenges, such as adapting to mandatory off days and limited practice hours. Despite this, Nakao thrived, using his JUCO experience to shape him into a tough, fundamentally sound player. Lough, too, recognized the demands of being a student-athlete. “It forces you to mature both on and off the field as you juggle responsibilities and manage your time,” he says.

This season at Lander University, Nakao has continued to impress. With a .315 batting average, 18 RBIs, 6 doubles, 2 triples, and a .465 on-base percentage over 33 games, he’s been a vital asset to the team’s 24-10 record. His seven stolen bases demonstrate his speed and baseball instincts, while his consistency at the plate highlights his refined approach. "This season has started off pretty good for me personally. I’ve been able to contribute both offensively and defensively," Nakao shares. Despite some tough losses, Lander remains focused on their goal of making regionals.

Lough, on the other hand, describes his final season at D’Youville University as a grind, facing tough competition with a challenging schedule having played 3 series against top 25 ranked teams. In his limited outings so far coming back from injury, Lough has pitched 3.2 innings in relief while striking out five and earning his first win of his college career. A standout moment for him thus far was earning his first win of his collegiate career against Goldey-Beacom.

Nakao’s career has been marked by memorable moments, but none stand out more for him than winning the conference tournament during his sophomore year. The victory was particularly sweet, as the team had fallen short in a gruelling seven-game stretch the previous season. "It was special because we came so close the year before and fell short. That win meant everything." Taichi’s individual accomplishments have also been noteworthy, earning recognition throughout his career. In 2023, he was named to the NJCAA Region XI All-Region 2nd Team, and in 2022, he was honoured as the ICCAC D2 Defensive Player of the Year, which is a testament to his hard work and dedication. Lough recalls pitching five scoreless innings in an elimination game against the top seed during his sophomore year, a proud moment that showcased his competitive spirit. His most rewarding experience was winning the regular season conference title last year, an accomplishment that stands out in his collegiate career.

Injuries are an inevitable part of an athlete’s journey, and Lough knows this all too well. He emphasises patience and consistency in rehabilitation, advising athletes to trust their trainers, stick to the plan, and put in the work daily, even if results aren’t immediate. Personally, he notes that injuries haven’t changed how he competes, but they have influenced his preparation as he dedicates extra time to warm-ups, mobility exercises, and never skips his J-bands. The support of teammates and coaches has been vital for Harrison in both his recovery and in general. Lough credits his teammates for their constant support and feedback, helping him refine his mechanics and improve his game. He also appreciates the positive reinforcement from coaches, which helped him bounce back from tough outings.

As seniors, they both reflect on the lessons learned. Nakao looks back on the journey with a mix of pride and nostalgia. "Enjoy the process. It goes by quickly," he advises younger athletes. Looking back, he wishes he’d appreciated every moment more instead of worrying so much or wishing a practice or workout would end. Taichi believes the most rewarding part has been personal growth. "Seeing myself develop into a better ballplayer and person is something I’m proud of," he shares. The relationships he built, the lessons learned, and the experiences on and off the field have shaped him profoundly. "College baseball taught me time management, mental toughness, work ethic, teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. All of which are qualities that have shaped me into the athlete and person I am today." Lough emphasises consistency in the weight room and advises athletes to make strength training a priority throughout the season as this really makes a difference.

As his college baseball career winds down, Nakao is not quite ready to hang up the cleats just yet. He hopes to continue playing the game he loves, whether that’s overseas or in independent leagues. While Lough plans to leverage his baseball experience in his next chapter with an internship with the Buffalo Bisons, the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.

The journeys of Taichi Nakao and Harrison Lough underscore the power of determination, adaptability, and seizing every opportunity. Their stories serve as an inspiration for young athletes, proving that with hard work and the right mindset, the dream of playing college baseball in the United States is within reach.

Article added: Friday 04 April 2025 - Marina Lough