Luke Shilling, C, Notre Dame Prep, Class of 2015

PBR: Why did you choose Cincinnati?

Shilling:  I chose Cincinnati because it was a great fit for me. I love the academics, facilities, student life, and the baseball program. My mom is from Hamilton (Baden High School), so I have spent a lot of time visiting relatives in the Cincy area and love it here.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Shilling: Cincinnati was the first school I had been in contact with. My coaches were in contact with a fair amount D1 schools, but I knew Cincinnati was where I wanted to be. It was an easy decision, and I knew it was the school for me after my first visit in October. 

PBR:  Coach Neal was just recently hired as the new coach at UC.  How does it feel to be a part of his first recruiting class? 

Shilling:  I’m very excited to be a part of Coach Neal's first class.  I know he has big plans for the program, and I can't wait to be a part of it.

PBR:  Coach Neal was a big part of the success at why Indiana went to the College World Series.  How quickly do you think that success can transfer to Bearcat baseball?

Shilling:  Coach Neal knows what it takes. He was an integral part in Indiana getting to a College World Series, and I am confident that he will have this program playing at a very high level in the near future and for years to come.

PBR:  Where did the Coach Neal first see you compete and how did your relationship develop with the rest of the coaching staff?

Shilling:  He first saw me through video in the fall, and it led to a visit where I got to meet the whole coaching staff.  Coach Neal then came up and saw me play this spring before making an official offer.  Most of my contact with UC over the past months was with Coach Neal.  

PBR: What role does the coaching staff expect you to play during your first year on campus?

Shilling:  My role is to come in and compete as a catcher and at the plate.  Coach Neal made it clear that he will play the people that give UC the best chance to win, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience playing summer ball?

Shilling:  I will play for the Michigan Bulls this summer. Last year I played with the JTB Tigers. The most exciting part of the summer was the Butler University Tournament at the end of the summer. 

PBR: What were your stats this season for Notre Dame Prep?

Shilling:  I just finished my junior year. I hit .430 with 8 HR's and 37 RBI.

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher you have faced in Ohio?

Shilling:  Being from Michigan I haven’t faced many pitchers from Ohio. The toughest pitcher I faced all year was Garrett Schilling from Bishop Foley (Madison Heights, MI).  He is a Xavier commit. Garrett has command of all of his pitches. He makes it extremely hard on hitters because he can throw any pitch in any count.