Buchholz center fielder Cedaris Smith is heading off to college to play baseball at the next level.

On Wednesday, Smith made it official when he signed with the College of Central Florida in Ocala. He is the fourth member of the baseball team to sign with a college team, and the eighth Buchholz athlete to announce a signing in the last two weeks.

“It’s an amazing feeling, just being able to be one of the small percentage of guys who actually get to go play at the next level,” said Smith, who was asked to work out for COCF this past January and they offered him that day. “I’m really looking forward to embracing the opportunity.”

Smith was leading the Bobcats in hitting as a junior with a .404 average through 20 games but suffered a broken bone in his right wrist in April.

He was finally cleared to play in the middle of July.

“I just really took the time to kind of hone in on myself,” Smith said. “I figured a lot of things out about myself during that time. I really embraced the injury. I actually think it fueled me to be the player that I am now.”

This past season Buchholz advanced to its second straight final four where they defeated Wharton (Tampa) in the state semifinals before losing to Fort Lauderdale’s St. Thomas Aquinas in the state championship game to finish with a school record and state-best 33-3 record.

“My last four years at Buchholz have been amazing,” Smith said. “I don’t think I could ask for more but to win that final game…we progressed every year. My freshman year we didn’t even make a regional, my sophomore year we made it to the regional final, and of course the last two years making it to the state championship game. The coaching staff here are great, and the players are great. The development is off the charts. We continue to be one of the top programs in the state and in the country, so it’s just been a phenomenal experience.”

As a senior, he batted .331 in 36 games with a .432 on base percentage and a .542 slugging percentage.

“Terrific player,” said head coach Ron Brooks, who announced his retirement last week. “He’s been a starting baseball player here for a really good 6A baseball program for four years. He’s meant a lot to our program, not only through his athletic ability but also the type of person he is. The run we went on is a testament to kids like him.”

He was second on the team with 39 hits and 29 runs batted in and was also fourth on the Bobcats with 15 stolen bases.

“Phenomenal athlete,” said new Buchholz baseball coach Chris Malphurs. “It’s funny how things come full circle. When we were at Gainesville High School, Cedaris was a kid who was zoned for GHS, and we thought he was coming to us. We recognized very early in 7th and 8th grade that he was going to be a superstar and we were heartbroken when he went to Buchholz.”

Smith began his varsity career as an infielder, starting at second base as a freshman and a sophomore.

“Probably my favorite kid ever,” said longtime assistant head coach/outfield coach Greg Norman, who also played at Central Florida in ’81 and ’82. “I coached him for four years…we decided to move him to the outfield because we had enough infielders. He made the transition and became one of the best center fielders we’ve ever had.”

Smith becomes the fourth Bobcat baseball player to sign collegiately this year, joining Division-I signees J.J. Gardner (Jacksonville University), Kai So (Harvard University), and Wyatt Clarke (Belmont Abbey College).

“Cedaris has been a great player, a great part of our program,” said assistant coach Greg Gillman. “He leads by example…Ced is just a great guy. I love him. I’ve had the honor of coaching some really great players and good people, but Ced is right there at the top.”

More Bobcats announce college signings

And Smith isn’t the only Buchholz athlete to announce they will play at the next level. Last week, seven Buchholz athletes across seven sports held a signing ceremony, which highlighted their outstanding prep careers.

Finn Buchanan will wrestle collegiately at Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina.

“Finn is the epitome of a leader,” said Buchholz wrestling coach Billy Pankey. “In my 19 years as the head coach at Buchholz, he is one of the hardest working and best leaders I have ever been a part of.”

Buchanan is one of only five in the history of BHS Wrestling (opened in 1971) to be a 3-time state qualifier.

“I’m so excited for what he has a chance to do at the next level, and we can’t wait to watch him grow,” Pankey said.

Abby Bowen, a forward for the Buchholz girls soccer team, will play for Barry University in Miami.

Bowen, who has played varsity soccer all four years of high school, led the Lady Bobcats (11-5-2) in goals (15) and assists (8) this past season.

“She was a captain sophomore, junior, and senior year,” said BHS girls soccer coach Brian Hinote. “She is a great competitor and wants her team to win. She knows what it takes to be successful, and she is not afraid of hard work.”

Delaney Peters, a defender who helped lead the Lady Bobcats (12-7) to an FHSAA Class 2A-Region 2 playoff appearance, signed to play lacrosse at Warner College in Lake Wales.

“Delaney joined our program her junior year as an attacker and transitioned to being an absolute force on defense during her two years at Buchholz,” said girls lacrosse coach Marissa Higgins. “Her gritty play, willingness to sacrifice for her team, and her drive to be the best version of herself for her team speaks volumes about how special of a human she is.”

Higgins highlighted her leadership.

“What really stands out, though, is how all of the new players have flocked to her, and how she has provided them with mentorship, words of encouragement, and how she has been a positive influence on their lives,” she said. “Delaney’s hard work, dedication, ability to adapt, and her willingness to trust the process and buy in will help her achieve success at the next level at Warner.”

Other signees who attended included Gianna Rizzo – Alabama (track & field), Eleanor Whisler – Navy (cross country), DS/OH Leila Ricks – Hampton University (volleyball), and C/1B Julianna Abraham – Hamilton College (softball).