The latest in a list of accolades for future Clemson catcher Drew Donathan came Friday night when the 2017 Clemson commit was named High School Baseball Catcher of the Year at the 10th annual Greater Charlotte Hot Stove League awards event. Donathan was also a finalist for High School Baseball Player of the Year.

The Clemson Insider caught up with Donathan, who is preparing for his senior season at Charlotte Christian School after a standout high school career to this point.

“It was a cool feeling,” Donathan said of winning the award that was voted on by coaches around the greater Charlotte area. “I gave a little speech, and it was a cool event.”

Donathan hit .411 with five home runs and 29 RBI as a junior in 2016 while showcasing his skills and strong arm behind the plate. He was a team captain and just the second junior to hold that honor on the varsity squad in school history. As a sophomore, he hit .340 with 10 doubles and four dingers.

The 2016 all-state performer and Charlotte Observer first-team member has been highly successful through three seasons, but he isn’t growing satisfied with his accomplishments.

“There’s so much I can learn and so much I can get better at,” Donathan said. “I try to always keep improving. You can’t get complacent. You have to always make jumps and continue to get better.”

Donathan committed to Clemson in late-June 2015 over the College of Charleston, Florida, Furman, Virginia and others. He was initially recruited by former Clemson coach Jack Leggett, but committed to his replacement, Monte Lee, during a visit that summer.

Donathan knew Lee would be a great fit at Clemson, so the coaching change didn’t change his stance on the program. He loves the campus, facilities and players that are a part of the program.

He could have played college baseball elsewhere, but viewed Clemson as the opportunity of a lifetime. He took his official visit to Clemson in October, and it reinforced why he chose the school.

“It was a real fun time,” Donathan said of the visit. “I’m glad I chose Clemson because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I’m glad I took it.”

After the Tigers went 44-20 in 2016, won their first ACC tournament title since 2006 and hosted a regional as a national seed, Donathan thinks another special season is in store under Lee in his second year at the helm.

“Under coach Lee, I think they’ll do a great job,” Donathan said. “They look like a team that really plays hard, and I think they’ll do just as well as last year.”

Donathan was able to hang out with some of his future teammates on the official visit, and he can’t wait to join them over the summer after his senior year.

“They’re all great guys. Love being around them,” Donathan said. “So, can’t wait to get down there in June.”