Q&A With Western Kentucky Commit Ryan Schmitt

March 4, 2015

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Supervisor – Wisconsin/Illinois

Right-handed pitcher Ryan Schmitt made his verbal commitment earlier this winter, making him Arrowhead’s fifth Division 1 recruit they will be sending to the diamond in 2015. Schmitt was also a participant in last year’s PBR Future Games where he stood out with his dynamic curveball and mid to upper 80’s fastball.

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

Schmitt: The recruiting process was about what I expected it to be. I really enjoyed every part of it even though it was a bit stressful at times.

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

Schmitt: I just wanted to make sure that wherever I decided to go, it was going to be somewhere that I felt at home and could see myself continuing not only my baseball career but my education as well.

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

Schmitt: Location wasn't that big of a factor for me. I didn't care how far or close away I was from home. The important thing was just making sure I was going to be somewhere that I felt comfortable.

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?

Schmitt: The recruiting process really heated up after the PBR Future Games. After that it was much more common that I had schools calling me or emailing me.

PBR: Where did Western Kentucky first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Schmitt: WKU first saw me at the PBR Futures Games and after that they had sent me an email and I got in touch with them over the phone. After that we just kept in touch week after week on the phone.

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

Schmitt: The thing I loved most about the school was the coaches. They were the biggest factor in my decision. All of them were super cool guys and really easy to talk to. I also loved the facilities. Everything was really nice and it felt like the perfect place for me to continue my baseball career.

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

Schmitt: I only had an offer from one other school and that was UW-Milwaukee. I was talking to South Alabama and some Big 10 and Big 12 schools when I made my decision though.

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?

Schmitt: I think I realized that I was a college caliber player after one of the PBR showcases at GRB in Madison last March. I was up to 87mph at that showcase and it wasn’t too far off from some of the bigger name players who already had scholarships to big Division 1 schools.

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

Schmitt: My advice to younger players would be just keep working hard. Always remember there is going to be someone working harder than you are and when your time comes just enjoy it and take your time to really make sure you make the best decision.

Q&A With Western Kentucky Commit Ryan Schmitt

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