
Aussies Abroad College Baseball
College Update | Will Page-Allen to transfer to Division 1 Fresno State plus an Aussie JUCO update
Canberra pitcher Will Page-Allen will play Division I baseball next season, after confirming he will be transferring to the Fresno State Bulldogs.
20-year-old Page-Allen is in his sophomore year at Feather River College in California. He was an oft-used reliever at the Junior College, collecting a 3.44 ERA in 34.0 innings with an 11.91 strikeout per nine inning mark.
After his success, he was invited to a sophomore showcase. Universities from California and other states sent scouts to select potential recruits.
"Afterwards I was contacted by a number of them who were interested in my ability," says Page-Allen. "California State University, Fresno flew me down for an official visit of their college, which is a chance to see the campus, meet the coaches and get a feel for whether I wanted to study there."
Page-Allen says he liked the look of the school, loved their great coaches, and decided to accept a scholarship offer.
Success. Page-Allen will play Division 1 at a school who has won a College World Series in the past (2008).
He wouldn't have been able to get there if it weren't for his experience at Feather River.
"[This school] has been a great, life-changing experience. It has been so much fun coming over to a different country and being able to play the sport I love, while continuing my education. It has taught me so much about the world and also myself, and I can't wait to do this again next year at Fresno State," he says.
Above: Page-Allen (left) with fellow Aussie Caleb Garven
Page-Allen's baseball abilities have improved since leaving his Canberra home in 2023.
His velocity has increased from 86-87mph to 90-92mph.
"My ability to meet new people and build connections has improved," he adds. "I didn't know anyone over here, I had to start from scratch and build up from there. I have also really improved at just living and taking care of myself – as it's just me over here, I have really had to grow up and learn to take care of my own business."
Page-Allen says prospective Australians looking at college should make sure they do lots of research on the schools they're talking to.
"There are so many different schools where you can play baseball in America, one of them is bound to be a fit for you. Just make sure that it offers what you want to study, that the area it's in suits you – and finally a little trick is just to picture yourself playing for the team and think to yourself, "can I see myself there?". That's what you want to do."