University of San Francisco Athletics

JON NORFOLK
Catcher, #36
Bats/Throws: R/R
Hometown: Riverside, Calif. (Valley View HS)
Majored: Business (2006); Graduate Degree: Education (2007)
Class of 2007
 
If you were to ask anyone associated with the Dons baseball program about Jon Norfolk, they would say he is someone who built himself into an excellent Division I college baseball player. Through his five years in the program, "Norf" became a stellar catcher, a true leader, and a solid representation of what the program at the University of San Francisco does to build its student-athletes.
 
During his time on the Hilltop, Norfolk gradually improved through his tireless work ethic and sharpened his skills to the point where his ability to receive the ball was one of the best that the coaches had seen.
 
Everything Norfolk worked for was represented best in his last year as a Don, batting .323 with 51 hits, nine doubles, three homers, and 27 RBI. It was also the year where he had arguably the biggest hit of his college career. He hit a two-run, walk-off home run in the final at-bat of his career against Saint Mary's.
 
However, the coaches will always remember him most for his advanced knowledge of the game, his "grinder" mentality and approach, and, most importantly, his willingness to always give more of himself as a teammate.
 
"He was a true team leader, worked very hard, and always unselfish," USF associate head coach Troy Nakamura said. "He is someone you would always want on your team."
 
Today you will find Norfolk to be a happily married man. He married his wife Monica, who also gave birth to a healthy baby girl named Rylee, all within the past year. Monica shares the same work ethic and dedication to family as Norfolk does, working full time at John Muir Hospital as a nurse in the Progressive Care Unit.
 
"Not only is she a good nurse, but she is also the best mommy any child could ask for," Norfolk said.
 
Norfolk continued his career though his two passions, baseball and education.
 
Since receiving his master's degree in Education from USF in 2007, he was able to parlay both his playing experience and educational background in a coaching and teaching position at Moreau Catholic High School in Hayward, Calif.
 
Norfolk was quick to stress how much his education led him to his position that he holds today.
 
"I am where I am today because of my education at USF," said Norfolk. "There is no question my [master's degree] in education is the very reason I received my high school teaching position at Moreau Catholic. When I finished [graduate program] at USF, it helped me realize the true focus for my work."
 
Looking back at his time at USF, Norfolk reminisces and recalls many of the aspects of life here that he misses.
 
He fondly remembers doing laundry for the entire team, yoga with the pitching staff and Saturday morning beach workouts. He misses team bonding moments, such as Saturday nights out with the team and dinners on road trips.
 
And, of course, Norfolk misses baseball at USF. Coaching the Junior Dons, listening to Head Coach Nino Giarratano speak and his father's expressive cheering from the stands.
 
"There is more to tell, but not enough paper to write," said Norfolk.
 
"A special thank you to the coaches and all who entered my life during my journey at USF," said Norfolk. "You truly saved my life and set me up for a new chapter."
 
If you are a former USF Baseball Alumni and would like to be featured, please contact Jay Kato at LHKato@usfca.edu.