4 Days Until the State Softball Announcement
Gatorade 2024 - 2025: Player of the Year

Baseball - Ohio

athletes playing Baseball
The POY Logo
BASEBALL

Matt Ponatoski

SS/RHP
ARCHBISHOP MOELLER HS
CINCINNATI, OHIO
JUNIOR
Height: 6-FOOT-2
Press Release

Peak Performance

.437

Batting Average

29

RBI

22

Runs Scored

2

Home Runs
“There are guys you enjoy watching but you don’t want to play against, and that’s how I would describe Ponatoski. He just impacts the game in so many ways.”
Tom Marker
Head Coach - Olentangy Orange High
excellence star

Athletic Excellence

At the time of his selection, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound junior shortstop and right-handed pitcher had led the Crusaders (22-3) to the No. 1 seed in Region 3 of the Division I state tournament this season. Ponatoski entered the postseason batting .437 with 29 RBI and  22 runs scored along with two home runs. The reigning Gatorade Ohio Football Player of the Year, he also stole 10 bases and recorded two saves in three innings of relief on the mound.

a graduation cap

Academic Achievement

Ponatoski has maintained a 3.84 GPA in the classroom. He will begin his senior year of high school this fall. 

first place ribbon

Exemplary Character

Ponatoski has volunteered locally with the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields, a local baseball facility just for athletes with special needs. He has also donated his time as a youth football referee and instructor at youth football camps.