Sam Conte had plenty of options. He chose the program with the biggest stage.

The Andover native and Wake Forest catcher committed to Vanderbilt baseball on July 2 after a breakout sophomore season that made him one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal.

Conte, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound right-handed hitter, launched 12 home runs, drove in 52 runs and posted an .878 OPS over 59 games for the Demon Deacons this spring. His performance earned him recognition as the top available Division I catcher in the portal from multiple college baseball outlets.

The decision came down to Vanderbilt, Notre Dame, Oregon State, Florida State, Virginia, Miami and Coastal Carolina. After a two-day visit to Nashville, Conte knew where he wanted to play next.

"Vanderbilt was the first to reach out," Conte told the Andover Townsman. "It's Vandy and Coach Corbin. When Vandy calls you, you definitely listen."

Vanderbilt's reputation — and its pipeline to the major leagues — played a major role in Conte's decision.

During his visit, the Commodores' staff broke down film of his hitting and catching, showing him areas where he could improve. He also got a look inside the program's pro-style locker room, where Vanderbilt honors former players who reached the majors.

One locker stood out: former Andover standout Mike Yastrzemski.

Yastrzemski, who also starred at St. John's Prep and Vanderbilt before reaching the majors, was a reminder of the path Conte hopes to follow. Former Methuen catcher Dom Keegan also helped pave the way from the Merrimack Valley to Vanderbilt.

Conte hit .274 for Wake Forest this season with 12 doubles, two triples and 52 RBIs, while starting 35 games behind the plate and 24 as a designated hitter.

Baseball America ranked him No. 304 among draft-eligible sophomores entering the season, and Vanderbilt quickly made him a priority addition.

The Commodores have won two national championships under coach Tim Corbin and have developed more than 30 major leaguers.

Conte had a chance to play in the Cape Cod Baseball League this summer but instead chose to begin preparing for his next chapter in Nashville.

He'll make his Vanderbilt debut when the 2027 college baseball season begins in February.