Recruiting Q&A with 2016 Notre Dame Commit Connor Power

August 4, 2015

By Justin Burgess
Florida Area Scout

Connor Power recently made his college commitment to Notre Dame. Connor is a 5-foot-11, 180 pound 2016 catcher/third baseman from Palm Beach Central HS. He played this summer with the Easton Rockets and was recruited quite a bit on this summers’ circuit. Notre Dame is starting to make their presence known in the Sunshine state with a few underclass commitments thus far. Here’s what Connor had to say about his experience with the Fighting Irish.

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

“The process for me was stressful but exciting. It was thrilling to have different schools throughout the country contact me. I formed good relationships with many college coaches.”

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

“I was looking for a school that had a combination of good baseball and academics.”

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

“Not necessarily. I actually wanted to leave Florida and play somewhere up north. I have family 45 minutes away from Notre dame so that played a factor.”

4. 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?

“This summer colleges started to show a lot of interest. The prospect select tournament in South Carolina was where I received several of my offers as well as the elite round robin and world wood bat in East Cobb Georgia. I played very well in all 3 of those tournaments which helped a lot.”

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

“Notre Dame first watched me play in the USA tournament in Jupiter FL. Coach woods from Notre dame gave me a call after one of my games and we kept in contact until coach Aoki saw me play in South Carolina.”

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

“I love the fact that I am getting the chance to play ACC baseball and receive a top notch education at the same time. One of the key factors was the education aspect.”

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

“Clemson, North Carolina State, Mississippi State, Air Force, Georgetown, and Dartmouth.”

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

“Carlos Cortes hands down. I've played with and against him and he's always hitting the ball hard, especially off of top notch pitching.”

9. 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?

“I realized it early on in 9th grade or so when I received my first college offer. I've worked very hard to get to this point in my career and it's like a dream come true.”

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

“Never give up and work as hard as you possibly can because there's always someone out there that wants to be better than you. Also remember that it's still a game and it's supposed to be fun.”

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

“Starting in the 3A state championship game as an 8th grader for American Heritage Delray.”

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

“I have confidence in my team this year. Last year we had a rough season mainly due to injuries but I believe we have learned from it and will have great success this year. Coach Benedict does a great job of getting us prepared and teaching us the game.”

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

“I play for the Easton Rockets out of Jupiter FL. I had a blast playing for them this summer. The coaches were very knowledgeable and taught us how to play the game the right way. We also had a very talented team. We had 10 guys commit to big time programs so I thought they did a very good job with getting guys into schools. The most memorable experience with them was probably making it to the sweet 16 in the world wood bat tournament in Georgia.”

Recruiting Q&A with 2016 Notre Dame Commit Connor Power

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