Josh Rivera, BT Riopelle reflect on decision to return to Florida, going on deep run with Gators

Josh Rivera and BT Riopelle were two of the key players in Florida’s run to the College World Series. However, there was a chance that they moved on and both of them had to actively choose to return to Gainesville.

After the loss to LSU, both Riopelle and Rivera reflected on their choices to return to Florida.

“It’s meant the world,” Rivera said. “I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for allowing me and Sully for allowing me to come back. It’s meant the world to make this a memorable run. And yeah, I mean, we worked hard all offseason. We worked our butts off all year during the season.”

Josh Rivera hit .348 this season and added 19 home runs from the shortstop position. He was previously taken in the 22nd round of the 2019 MLB Draft.

“And it’s nothing short but a blessing. And just to be here and compete for a national championship, and I wouldn’t choose anybody else to go to war with. They’re my brothers. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s nothing but a blessing, for sure.”

Riopelle added that it was the easiest decision of his life to return to Florida.

“Yeah, it was the easiest decision in my life to come back here last year,” Riopelle said. “I mean, forever indebted to this program, coaches, players. It was seriously like a no-brainer. Honestly, it’s been the best years of my life and very grateful.”

For his part, BT Riopelle transferred from Coastal Carolina to Florida ahead of the 2022 season. An excellent defensive catcher, he hit .246 with 19 home runs this season.

BT Riopelle on the key to hitting success

This season, BT Riopelle played some of the best baseball of his career. He explained where that success, especially on the offensive side of the ball, was coming from.

“I’m just getting pitches over the plate and I guess I’m not missing them. I don’t know how I’m doing that, honestly. But just kind of clicking for me, I think,” Riopelle said.

“All the times in my life where I’ve had the opportunity to do things that I’m doing right now and I didn’t do them has just prepared me for what I’m doing now. It’s sticking to the approach and believing in the coaches and myself and the players around me. That gives me all the confidence in the world. It’s definitely a credit to everybody around me.”