The Baseball Observer Nov-Dec 2015 vol 5 | Page 34

Most high school baseball players
hear from many different sources of
what to expect or anticipate when
they get to college to play baseball.
This will be a series of interviews with
actual players who are there now.
JUCO players who have moved on to
4 year schools, NCAA DI players who
have transferred, players who have
been with one school and everything
in between. This is in their words,
decisions why and what they
experienced so future players can get
a clearer picture of what to expect.

Q: What was your biggest challenge
during your college search while in high
school?
A: In high school my biggest challenge was
finding the right school that fit my playing style
because I wasn’t your big, strong
centerfielder. I was undersized scrappy, and
played with my emotions on my sleeve. I will
run through walls and you would think every
coach liked that, but not all do and not all
wanted me because apparently I was “too
small”. Me being me - I think not is not an
excuse. So, yes my biggest challenge was
finding a school that fit my playing style.
Q: Your first two years were in JUCO.
What made you choose a JUCO school
over an NAIA or NCAA school?
A: I chose JUCO mostly because of my
grades and SAT and ACT scores. I am not
the smartest student, but I could have done
better in high school looking back at it.
Knowing what I do now and how important
grades are it could have made a difference in
where I ended up going. But, the experience
and the journey I Took I would never change.
Q: How did JUCO prepare you for playing
in the NCAA?
A: JUCO prepared me for the NCAA by
showing me how the game is played at a
faster more mature pace if that makes
sense. Its more than the fundamentals, it is
more mental also. I think it has helped me be
more mature mentally and physically.
Q: University of Tampa is an NCAA DII
school. Why did you choose Tampa?
A: Honestly, I chose Tampa because the
University of Florida didn’t want me. They
showed interest but when it came down to it
they stopped talking to me out of know where.
I then went on a visit to Tampa and fell in love
with the campus and facilities. Also, Coach
Urso was really upfront about what his
expectations where from me and what he