Rosepine to Baton Rouge, Ethan Frey’s Journey Pays Off

(Baton Rouge - Louisiana) - The LSU Tigers punched their ticket to the Super Regional on Monday Night with a 10-6 win over the Little Rock Trojans in a winner-take-all Game 7. It wasn't always smooth sailing for the Tigers throughout the Baton Rouge Regional, but when the moment called for it, Former Rosepine Eagle Ethan Frey delivered, just as he always has.

In a world of College Athletics where kids often run at the first sign of adversity, Ethan Frey embraced the challenge because he knew that one day he'd get his opportunity to play for the school he had always dreamed of.

In Year One, Frey was introduced to college baseball with one of the Greatest College Baseball teams of all time, one that resulted in LSU's 7th National Championship. In 2024, Frey's Sophomore season, he battled through a shoulder injury that sidelined him and limited his abilities.

Even through all of that, Frey stuck around in hopes of becoming a vital piece to an LSU Baseball Team.

“Ethan has always loved this game, and more than anything, he loves his team and his coaches,” said Brandi Frey, Ethan’s mom. “He’s the kind of kid who will do whatever is asked of him to help the team succeed. Going through adversity, especially with his shoulder injury sophomore year, really taught him to appreciate every moment on the field. Watching him stay committed through it all and now seeing him step up and excel—it means everything. He understands his role, he trusts the process, and he’s ready when his number is called.”

READ MORE: Game Times Announced For LSU/West Virginia Super Regional

During his High School years, no moment was ever too big for Ethan Frey. Whether it was driving in the Game-Winning run, hitting a home run in the State Championship Game, running in the 2-point conversion in a 2nd round playoff game, or throwing a one-hitter to win back-to-back State Titles. The right moment has always seemed to look for Frey, and he seems to always find a way to deliver.

And, on Monday night, when the team needed it most, it was no different. Frey hit an early solo-homer to put the Tigers up 1-0, but then, early on, LSU would fall behind 5-1. Once again in the 4th inning, LSU would load the bases for Frey, and this time he would come through with a three-run double to get the Tigers back, down by just one.

Two innings later, in the 7th, LSU tied the game on a Luis Hernandez home run. Frey was part of securing the lead, once again. Frey doubled, moved to third on a wild pitch, and scored on shortstop Steven Milam’s groundout.

 "It’s the sweetest thing I've ever had in my life. A lot of challenging times and moments during rehab, but the trust Coach Johnson had in me, along with my teammates supporting me, means a lot,” said Frey after the win. “Some teams probably thought they were out of the game, but we knew we weren't done.”

Frey garnered high praise from LSU Head Coach Jay Johnson postgame, “You look at the offensive performance by Ethan,” Johnson said, “that's arguably the best game I've ever seen any one of my players ever play, considering the situation.”

Back in Rosepine, his former Head Coach, Jeff Smith, isn't surprised one bit.

“The Good Lord himself anointed Ethan with the body, mind, heart, and skill set that very few people in the world possess," Smith said. "He could have taken those gifts to any high school in Louisiana and beyond, yet he stayed true to myself, his teammates, his school, and community. Therefore, it’s no surprise to me that Ethan has done the same at LSU. He’s stayed the course, overcame many forms of adversity to will himself to the top of college baseball."

“I’m proud of Ethan for betting on himself and trusting the outcome—no one deserves it more. I’m glad to see Ross, Brandi, and Kait get to live out this dream with Ethan. I witnessed his parents do everything in their power to put him in a situation for success, and here we are. Keep doing it, big guy. Rosepine is beyond proud.”

Coming up in big moments for his team is not some phenomenon…it's just what Ethan Frey does.