Zach Olszewski, C/RHP, Bay City John Glenn, 2013

Olszewski is going to compete both on the mound and behind the plate for Bethune Cookman next year. He currently checks in at No. 19 in the 2013 rankings.  Take a closer look at Zach's decision to attend Bethune Cookman:


PBR: Where have you decided to attend college and why did you make this choice?
Olszewski: I have decided to attend Bethune-Cookman University, a D1 university in Daytona Beach, Florida. I felt it was the school for me. I felt an instant connection with the coaching staff, they have one of my academic majors (mass communications), and the competition they play is remarkable: Florida, Miami, Arizona State, Kansas State, Central Florida, Florida State, all top baseball schools in the nation.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?
Olszewski: I was also considering Oakland, South Alabama, Coastal Carolina, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Morehead State.

PBR: Was distance from home a factor in your decision?
Olszewski: Distance from home was not a factor at all from me. I knew ever since I was younger I wanted to play down south, and now I have the opportunity to fulfill my dreams. Being away from home two months out of the summer playing baseball two years ago, made me realize I can do it.

PBR: Where did the coaches first see you? How did your
relationship develop with their coaching staff? 
Olszewski: Coach Beverlin first saw me through my PBR videos, after I had a coach we played against email schools for me. After he had seen my videos he called me and we continued to talk and form a close bond, and from that I felt he was the coach I want to play for at the next level. 

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?
Olszewski: He wants me to be a catcher and a closer . Coming in he feels I will be getting a lot of playing time my freshmen year.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that will help your team?
Olszewski: My biggest strength as a player I feel is being able to catch & pitch, not many people get the opportunity to move onto the next level and do both. I feel my arm is strong enough to be a closer in college, and I also feel my defensive skills behind the plate will make me a great catcher at the next level. I feel being able to go in as a two way player will help the program out a lot. 

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most memorable experience from this past summer?
Olszewski: I played for Means Stamping this summer, and my most memorable experience this summer was just being able to enjoy the recruiting process. Going to so many different universities to see where I would best fit was remarkable and fun.

PBR: Now that you have your commitment out of the way, what are your goals both individually and for the team going into your senior season?
Olszewski: Going into my senior year my team goal is to make it to Battle Creek again, and win the state championship this time! Individually I want to continue developing my skills and staying a great leader and role model on and off the field.