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| Jake Pokrovsky could play a major role for the Quakers in 2025. | PHOTO: Dan Felice |
Sometimes, a player comes along who alters the entire trajectory of a program. Wyatt Henseler was that guy for Penn. But now, as Henseler moves on to Texas A&M for his fifth season, the Quakers face the challenge of not just replacing a player, but reimagining their identity.
Henseler, the unanimous Ivy League Player of the Year, set a laundry list of program records, including career home runs (54), RBIs (189), total bases (560), and hits (232). He’s the kind of player who leaves a footprint that will be felt for years to come.
“You don’t replace a guy like that,” said Penn head coach John Yurkow. “There’s nothing you can do to replicate that type of player. He was a great ambassador for our program, and it’s going to take a collective effort to move forward.”
So, with Henseler gone, what now for the Quakers?
The answer might just lie in a team that’s deeper and more versatile than it’s been in years. And with some familiar faces returning, Penn isn’t exactly starting from scratch.
The Returnees: A Core Group to Build Around
The Quakers stumbled out of the gate last season, thanks to injuries and inconsistent offense. But they managed to pull it together when it mattered, battling to reach the Ivy League postseason. From there, they clinched another Ivy League title with a sweep of Cornell and gave No. 12 Virginia all it could handle in the NCAA Regionals, before falling in extra innings to St. John’s.
“I think that experience, you can’t teach it,” Yurkow said. “These guys have seen things, now two years in a row. They know what it takes. My seniors have played in the Ivy League championship three years in a row. That stuff sticks with you. It’s invaluable.”
And it’s clear that these players, many of whom played pivotal roles in those postseason runs, are ready to carry that momentum forward.
Jarrett Pokrovsky — The Name to Watch
Let’s start with Jarrett Pokrovsky. If there’s one guy who could fill some of the offensive void left by Henseler, it’s him. After an injury-shortened 2024 season, Pokrovsky is healthy and primed for a breakout year. The power-hitting outfielder was off to a solid start last season, hitting .273 with four home runs in 36 games before a season-ending injury took him off the field. But don’t let that fool you. Pokrovsky’s freshman year was a revelation. He was named the Ivy League Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player after hitting .467 with a homer, six RBIs, and five runs scored. Expect big things from him in 2025.
“He’s one of the guys who can take this offense to the next level,” Yurkow said. “He’s as dynamic as anyone on the field. With him fully healthy, we’re counting on him to anchor our lineup.”
Connor Chavez, who transferred in from Northeast Texas Community College, was a revelation last year. Chavez played in all 46 games, posting a .281 average with three home runs, 16 RBIs, and a team-leading .420 on-base percentage. He was an Ivy League All-Tournament selection, going 7-for-10 with five RBIs in the Championship Series. Chavez’s versatility and keen eye at the plate will make him a critical piece.
“Tobin’s going to be a big part of our rotation,” Yurkow said. “We had the luxury in the past few years of bringing arms along slowly because we had so much experience. But this year, we’re a bit more inexperienced, so guys like Tobin will have to step up. I expect him to play a major role and really guide our staff.”
There’s depth all over the field, and Gavin Collins is one of the younger players who could break out in a big way. Collins, a sophomore outfielder, played in 42 games last season, hitting .274 with 12 doubles. His consistency at the plate and solid defense will give the Quakers another reliable option.
Behind the plate, Qwynn Ahearn is someone to watch. He had a limited 2024 campaign, appearing in just 17 games due to injury, but he’s fully recovered and looks like a different player. Yurkow believes Ahearn has the tools to be a key contributor behind the plate.
“Qwynn is a guy we’re really excited about,” Yurkow said. “He’s in great shape now, and his arm strength and pop are something we’re really going to need this year.”
The Quakers have had success behind the plate over the last decade, with several backstops drafted, including Jackson Appel last year and Matt O’Neill in 2019. Yurkow believes Ahearn fits a similar mold. “Ultra-competitive kid who is always going to give you a great at-bat.”
“We have a deep group, and while there are some question marks, there’s a lot of talent on this roster,” Yurkow said. “Now it’s just a matter of putting it all together.”
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