PIONEERS ANNOUNCE FINAL SIGNINGS

The Back-to-Back West Division Champion Elmira Pioneers announced their final roster additions. The Pioneers will welcome back fan favorite & 4-year veteran OF – Cooper Smith, 2023 Returners RHP – Garrett Rochon & RHP Jacek Krol, Corning Natives & 2023 Returners RHP – Nolan Terwilliger & RHP- Zack Nelson, The son of former Elmira Jackal & Elmira College Hockey Coach (Dean Jackson) Henry Jackson, and new comers RHP – Chase Medress, INF - John Simmons & RHP - Vincent Favata will join the Pios this summer.

Chase Medress is a 6’1”, 175-pound sophomore right-handed pitcher at Metropolitan State University of Denver. He hails from Scottsdale, Arizona, where he attended and played high school baseball at Chaparral. With a tall, lanky frame, Medress brings athleticism and speed to the Pios this summer.

Cooper Smith is a 5’11”, 190-pound senior outfielder from Tufts University, returns to the Soaring Capital of the World for his fourth consecutive summer. Hailing from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Smith brings a wealth of experience and talent back to Dunn Field. In 2025, Smith started 31 of 32 games for the Jumbos, leading the team with a .331 batting average. He also topped the roster in stolen bases with 11 and ranked third in hits with 41. A dynamic presence on both sides of the ball, Smith arrives with a well-rounded, five-tool skill set and a deep familiarity with Dunn Field.

Garrett Rochon is a 6’1”, 210-pound freshman right-handed pitcher for the University of Ottawa. From Ottawa, Ontario, Rochon is returning for his second season with the Pios. Last season he appeared in 11 games and started in 9 games; he pitched 54.2 innings recording a 4.61 ERA. Rochon played high school baseball for Osgoode Township.

Henry Jackson is a 6’1”, 175-pound senior who is no stranger to playing in Elmira. A native of Corning, New York, Jackson has deep local ties—his father, Dean Jackson, served as the longtime women’s hockey and men’s golf coach at Elmira College, later worked as an assistant coach for Cornell Women’s Hockey, and now serves as an assistant coach for the PWHL’s Ottawa franchise, the Ottawa Charge. Jackson began his high school career at Corning-Painted Post High School before continuing his academic and athletic journey at the Winchendon School in Massachusetts.

Jacek Krol is a 5’11”, 170-pound junior right-handed pitcher from St. Michael’s College. A former attendee of Central New York’s Onondaga Community College, Krol earned the Lazers All-Star Award—an honor recognizing a student-athlete who excels in academics, athletics, and service to the OCC community. He completed his second season with the Purple Knights in 2025 and is a native of Tolland, Connecticut.

John Simmons is a 6’0”, 205-pound junior infielder from Liberty University. A key contributor for the Flames—especially in the power department—Simmons posted a formidable .471 slugging percentage with 9 home runs and 43 RBIs. A native of Forest, Virginia, he was a standout at Liberty Christian Academy, where he hit .449 with 21 RBIs and 41 runs scored during his senior season.

Vincent Favata is a 6’1”, 160-pound right-handed pitcher and outfielder from Syosset, New York. He played at Syosset High School and is currently committed to attend Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland. Favata was ranked by Perfect Game as the 45th outfielder in New York State and 266th nationally for the 2024 graduating class. He brings a strong athletic build to the Pios this summer.

Zack Nelson is a 5’10” junior right-handed pitcher from Corning, New York, and a graduate of Corning-Painted Post High School. He is currently attending Alfred State University, where he posted his best start against Illinois Weslyan, lodging 8.1 innings, and leading his team to a win. Last season for the Pios he posted a 6-1 record across 12 games, along with a 0 ERA in the playoffs.

Nolan Terwilliger is a 6’1”, 150-pound freshman right-handed pitcher from Corning, New York, and a recent graduate of Corning-Painted Post High School. In his first year at Niagara County Community College, Terwilliger recorded three saves in four appearances. He returns to the Pios for his second consecutive summer.

Opening day is Friday May 30^th 6:35 PM with free post-game fireworks. If you or someone you know is looking to sponsor the Pioneers, season tickets, group events, or host a picnic email Marc Witt mwitt.canusa@gmail.com. The Pioneers complete schedule is available at www.theelmirapioneers.com.