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Q&A with Upper Iowa commit Dom Hillesheim

January 8, 2014

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director – Wisconsin/Illinois

Catcher Dominic Hillesheim recently committed to Upper Iowa University. The No. 30 ranked prospect in Wisconsin filled us in on what went into the recruiting process and how he chose Upper Iowa.

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

Hillesheim: Nothing in this process is going to come easy so if you want to play baseball at the next level you will need to work hard and be willing to be pushed harder than you ever have before. If a school tells you they are not interested don’t get discouraged, turn it into motivation and work harder to get other schools interested. There is a place for every hard working player to play; it is your job to find that place. If you want it go get it, period.

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

Hillesheim: At first I thought that coaches would just find me but then I realized that it was hard for coaches to do that. I realized that I had to go to camps and showcases to try and get my name out there and get noticed. I would say that it was more difficult than I expected but the whole process is totally worth the reward of playing baseball at the next level.

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

Hillesheim: I was looking for an institution where I could continue my study of business at a very high level. I was also looking to play baseball at the highest level I could for a team who was highly competitive in their conference.

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

Hillesheim: When I started the process I did not think location would matter but as the process went along it started to be a factor. I realized that coaches from the Midwest had the best chance to see me play and it was also easier to go to camps at colleges in the Midwest.

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?

Hillesheim: During this past summer it started to heat up but after the PBR Unsigned Senior Showcase in October is when it really began to heat up. There were a good amount of coaches there and being able to get in front of a lot of coaches at one time helped out quite a bit.

PBR: Where did Upper Iowa first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Hillesheim: Upper Iowa first saw me at the Wisconsin State Showcase in Franklin, WI. Coach Post emailed me and told me he thought I could play at UIU next year so I called him and then we set up a visit for me to come down to campus. We kept in contact after my visit and then during one of our phone conversations I committed.

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

Hillesheim: When I went down for a visit I really liked the players and the coaching staff, they really made me feel like I could see myself there for the next four years. The two biggest factors were definitely the ability to play at the Division II level along with the coaching staff.

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

Hillesheim: After narrowing it down I had a list of five schools and the schools were Upper Iowa, Wisconsin Lutheran, UW-Oshkosh, Ripon, and Ohio.

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

Hillesheim: The best player I have played and still play against is Scott Schreiber. Since he is in my conference I get to face him twice a year. His control of the game on the mound and his chance of being drafted this year is what make him the best I have faced.

PBR: What is your best attribute as a baseball player and how does that transfer onto the field for your team?

Hillesheim: I believe my best attribute is my speed. Whether I am in Center Field or behind the plate, being able to run a ball down in the gap or slide out and block a ball in the dirt can change the game.

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

We have a bunch of quality arms coming back this year which I think will help us out a lot. I feel that we can be pretty good and we can definitely compete with the top teams in our conference. Our team goal is to win the FVA and end our season in Appleton at the State Tournament. 

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