LSU Right-handed pitcher Grant Fontenont spoke with the media ahead of LSU’s series with Omaha.

The redshirt junior has had a long journey in college baseball, starting off at LSU where he redshirted his freshman year due to an injury before transferring to McLennan Community College in 2023. After pitching for the Highlanders for a year he transferred to Texas for the 2024 season.

Now, Fontenot is back with the Tigers and there is no place he would rather be.

“Everyone wants to play here. Great fanbase, great guys on the team. I’m excited to be back,” Fontenot said.

When asked about what his improvements have been since he left Baton Rouge, Fontenot sees all-around improvement in himself.

“I think it’s a lot of mental improvement, dealing with adversity here and there. I’m getting my velocity up and working on new pitches in the fall helped a lot and I’m ready to compete,” Fontenot said.

Fontenot pitched one inning against Purdue Fort Wayne, producing two strikeouts and currently sits with a 0.00 ERA. Fontenot says a lot of that success has to do with pitching coach Nate Yeski’s approach.

“We work with coach Yeski a lot on just attacking the hitter…getting guys on or out in three pitches or less has been key for me,” Fontenot said.

Fontenot has made his goals for this year very known. Those goals include a trip to Omaha and the Men’s College World Series.

“The ultimate goal is the national championship. I think this staff has the ability to do a plethora of things. We are pretty stacked on that front and we are ready,” Fontenot said.

When speaking about the new freshman on the pitching staff, Fontenont spoke about their ability to produce at a high level right from the jump.

“You see a lot of maturity, it’s impressive. These guys just come in and you’re a part of the staff. I know that guys have matured quickly especially because of the competition and they come out the gate ready,” Fontnenot said.

When asked what he needs to do to stay in the rotation as the season continues, Fontenot spoke about his goal of consistency.

“Consistency is key. Having guys that come in and get the first batter out is going to be the key for this year. The base on balls is way less and that’s how it’s going to stay,” Fontenot said.

During such a competitive time in the season where so many players are seeking reps, Fontenot says it’s still important to show up for the team, not just himself.

“We’re a certain group of guys that just always roots for each other. I think that’s the key. Not wanting someone to fail so you can get in but wanting them to win because you have the ultimate goal in mind…you always want them to do your best and your chance is going to come regardless,” Fontenot said.

As the season goes on, Fontenot will continue to strive towards the ultimate goal for the team – a National Championship.