Mike Maerz 
Area Scout/Director of Florida Operations

For the talented two-way prospect Bryce Hulett of Lake Wales high school, making sure everything clicked was critical when it came to making a decision of where to play at the next level.  Hulett felt that University of South Carolina (USC) has a great tradition of academics as well as the degree he wanted to pursue in Sport Management.  With a 3.70 GPA, getting the job done in the classroom has always been a number one priority.  Bryce also felt that USC baseball community was dedicated to winning and the coaching staff really wanted him to be there.  After his visit on campus, Hulett was sure it was the right fit and committed to USC.

The 2017 1B/LHP has not only run it up to 87mph on the mound, but has been a line drive machine at the plate from the left hand side and continues to improve his game each time we see him.  Hulett credits the Florida Travel Ball (FTB) organization and its coaches for his growth as a player and the drive he has to be the best.  FTB plays in some of the most competitive tournaments across the nation and Hulett enjoys the challenge of competing with his FTB teammates whenever he has the chance.

Even though his Lake Wales high school team will be on the younger side this season after losing some key seniors, Bryce still has high hopes for his team.  After his performance last season where he pitched a perfect game and hit a walk off to send Lake Wales to the District Championship, the team has every reason to believe Hulett will do whatever it takes to help take his team to the top.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Hulett: I felt the recruiting process was exciting but also at times is a little stressful. The difficult part of it was having coaches watch me play and not knowing what they were looking for in me. The easy part was playing the game that I love for a great organization like FTB. I just wanted to make sure I had the right fit and South Carolina was the right fit for me.

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Hulett: One of the main things I like was they had the major I wanted to study. The most important thing was I felt comfortable in the environment and the coaches were really welcoming.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Hulett: Distance didn’t really matter to me I wanted a school that was the right fit no matter where it was located.

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Hulett: The process began a year ago when I started playing for FTB.  Last fall is when colleges really looking at me more in depth.

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Hulett: This past summer in Georgia when I was pitching for FTB Mizuno and South Carolina coaches was at the game. After I pitched my coach, coach Berryhill, told me that South Carolina was interested and coming back to watch me next week in Georgia. They came and saw me again; I set up a visit and fell in love with the school.

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Hulett: South Carolina has a great tradition in both academics and in baseball. I like that community supports the baseball team and the stands are always filled. I like playing against the best competition and being at South Carolina allows me to do that.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Hulett: Other schools on my list were Alabama State, UCF, FGCU, and UNF.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Hulett: Tobias Myers from Winter Haven High School he has good velocity committed to USF always challenges hitters and swings a good bat himself.

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Hulett: My freshman year of high school I made varsity and I was playing with someone the best competition at a young age, that is when I realized I had a chance.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Hulett: Hard work and dedication is key. As long as you work hard good things will come even if you don’t see improvement right away.

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Hulett: I pitched a perfect game and hit a walk off last high school season to send my team to the district championship.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Hulett: We lost a few key seniors last year but overall we will be good. We have a lot of young talent and near the end of the season you should see us excelling as the younger players get used to the flow of the game. My expectation is to win state as a team. My goals are to do whatever I need to do to get as many wins as possible for my team.

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Hulett: I play with Florida Travel Ball throughout the summer. My most memorable experience with FTB is making the top 16 teams in Georgia Perfect Game tournament this past summer.

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