Q and A with University of South Carolina Commit Shane Roberts

September 4, 2015

Mike Maerz
Area Scout/Director of Florida Operations

For RHP Shane Roberts, determination and a strong work ethic in the classroom and on the baseball field yields great opportunities. The 2017 graduate from Jupiter, FL who attends William T. Dwyer high school credits the experience with the Evoshield Canes program for his continued success on the mound. During his sophomore year in his first varsity high school start, Roberts threw a no-hitter. Later that summer while pitching for the Evoshield Canes, he started to draw major interest by again tossing another no-hitter with a fastball now up to 90mph. His coach, Darin Campbell, contacted Shane and said the University of South Carolina (USC) was interested in Shane as a potential athlete to their program. Shane and his Dad then set up a visit that week and he fell in love with the campus, the rich winning history, and most importantly the coaching staff. He felt it was a dream come true and committed to University of South Carolina (USC).

Even with this success, Shane is still determined to improve his craft and compete every day for his “baseball family.” He believes his high school team, William T. Dwyer, has a good shot to win districts with the ultimate goal of winning states. This fall, Roberts will be with the Evoshield Canes and will continue to be a great follow as he continues to grow and pitch against some of the best competition across the country.

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

The recruiting process was not as I expected it to be. It was a longer more difficult process then I thought. But worth it in the long run!

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

To continue my baseball career at college I was looking for a place that I could see myself going to and playing for.

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

The location and distance from home did not play a role in my decision because I was looking at schools that were out of state so I could play with some good competition. Playing with good competition makes me work harder and makes me better every time I step on the field.

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?

The recruiting process really started to heat up for me once I started to play with the EvoShield Canes and started to pitch at all of the colleges. The game that really helped speed up the recruiting process was this summer in Georgia when I threw and no hitter in a perfect game event and We won 10-0.

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

The college first saw me when I pitched at their stadium my freshman summer with the Canes. The minute I stepped out on the field I knew I wanted to go here! My relationship started with them after throwing at their stadium. My coach, Darin Campbell contacted me and my dad and said they were interested in me as a potential athlete to their program. We then set up a visit that week and I toured the campus and facility. I immediately fell in love and wanted to go their! So everyday after that I worked so hard to make my dream come true.

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

What I liked most about the college I committed to was the coaching staff! The minute I met them I knew it was the right place for me. The stadium is amazing and the nicest stadium I have ever played in. The school has so much history and the campus is beautiful.

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

Some of the other schools that were on my list before I made my decision were, Vanderbilt, Clemson, UF, UCF, and Virginia.

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

The best player I have faced in the state of Florida would be Matthew Mika from Park Vista High School. He is an all around athlete, he's fast, has an amazing glove and has power at the plate.

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?

Last summer when I started to play with the EvoShield Canes I realized that I would be facing some elite teams and players in my age group. That strived me to work harder on and off the field.

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

Some advice I would give to young baseball players striving to get where I am would be never to give up at anything. Always work hard in the classroom and on the field. You can make it if you put your mind to it.

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

The most memorable moment in my career would have to be throwing a no hitter in my first high school start as a sophomore on varsity and then that summer throwing another no hitter the day I got committed to USC. Most memorable days of my life and will never forget them!

Preview your fall season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

The season should be good this year. We have a a good shot to win districts and states! The team will be good, but we have to work hard every day to accomplish our goal which is to win states! My expectations about the team is that we are going to do really good and play as a family.

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

I play with the EvoShield Canes in the summer. The most memorable experience I have had with them is when we went to Georgia for the first time after having not such a good start to our summer season. We went 8-1 that tournament and really played as a team and for each other. We are a family!

Q and A with University of South Carolina Commit Shane Roberts

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