By Michael Chambers

As Jett Bristow (‘25) approaches the peak of his high school journey as a Senior at Collegiate, he’s not only reflecting on his past but also preparing for a compelling future in baseball. Committed to play for the University of Virginia (UVA), Bristow’s story is one of dedication, passion, and gratitude. I have had the pleasure of sharing the field with Bristow on the Collegiate varsity baseball team for two years, and he shared his story with The Match. 

Bristow was All-State for VISSA this spring. Image credit: Collegiate Athletics.

Bristow’s love for baseball started early, practically as soon as he could hold a bat. Bristow shared, “I began playing organized tee ball at the age of four, but I’ve been throwing balls and swinging bats since I’ve been physically able to.” This early exposure set the foundation for a lifetime of commitment to the game. Bristow has tried many positions, such as catcher and pitcher, but he is currently the starting right fielder for Collegiate. To kickstart his baseball career, his parents enrolled him as a kid in Tuckahoe Little League, where Bristow has played his entire life. Beyond the field, Bristow and his family are deeply involved in the league’s community, with his parents helping run the concession stand, finding joy in giving back. 

After speaking with several of his teammates, many describe Bristow as “a quiet leader who leads by example rather than words.”

At bat in the PBR National Championships in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo credit: PBR.

Bristow has also called the TSI Mid-Atlantic Orioles Club team his second home for nearly a decade. He credits his success to the incredible mentorship of coaches like Allen Caraher and Yuri Namkoong during his younger years, and Jason Williams and Chris McKnight during his high school career, “The TSI baseball facility is truly a special place,” Bristow said. “It has been my home away from home, and I wouldn’t be here today without the help of my awesome coaches and the great people who make up the Tuckahoe baseball community.” 

When asked to sum up his recruiting process in one word, Bristow didn’t hesitate: “Grateful.” This gratitude extends to his loving family and Jeff Burton, Bristow’s recruiting coordinator, who played a pivotal role in guiding Bristow through the NCAA recruiting maze. “Jeff Burton is the man. He helped me achieve opportunities I wouldn’t have been able to have without his help, due to the new NCAA recruiting rules. I highly recommend him,” Bristow said. New NCAA baseball rules have made August 1 the first day college coaches could contact players. For Bristow last summer, that was an exciting day, filled with calls and texts from college coaches around the southeast.

Bristow’s commitment graphic posted to his Instagram. Image credit: Jett Bristow.

On August 9, 2023, Bristow posted his official verbal commitment to UVA on Instagram and Twitter. Bristow received incredible support from coaches, classmates, and current and former teammates. Bristow’s decision to commit to UVA was about more than just its impressive baseball program. Along with the baseball team’s success in recent years, he also chose UVA because because of their academic programs. He explained to me that the UVA coaching staff was phenomenal and made him feel part of the community on his official visit, and he wanted to keep his family in mind and stay close to home.

As he closes out his high school career, Bristow has set clear goals for himself and his team: “I want to become the best possible version of myself, which will naturally allow me to have a positive impact on the Collegiate program,” he says. “As a team, I hope we can be extremely difficult to defeat. With a fantastic coaching staff and a great group of guys, I believe we’ll have a great season.”

Bristow’s journey is a testament to his passion, gratitude, and love for the game of baseball. I, and many others, look forward to what he will do at the University of Virginia and in life beyond that.