What he lacked in natural ability, he made up for with his reliability, dedication and a sunny disposition.

Hoban, 22, lacked foot speed. He was quiet. But he was committed, emerging as a team leader on Catholic Youth Organization basketball and baseball teams. He was a talented self-taught amateur golfer too, working as a caddy and in the pro shop at Quidnessett Country Club in North Kingstown.

That's all his coach, Richard Lamendola, could ask for. Hoban, of North Kingstown, "was the kind of guy you never really noticed, but he was the backbone of those teams," Lamendola said.

Hoban graduated from the University of Rhode Island in May, majoring in political science. He was working in personal finance and was planning to meet a business contact.

"He was really into 80's music," said college roommate Mark Kwolek, 23, of North Kingstown, who remembered Hoban as a "comedian" with an infectious laugh.

Lamendola said Hoban's dedication in youth sports would have translated to success off the court. What he lacked in natural ability, he made up for with hard work on tactical skills, outside regular practices.

"When he stepped to the plate, you knew you were going to get some action," Lamendola said. "You knew he was going to get a hit."