Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

Q&A with Wabash Valley Commit Matt Chernoff

November 3, 2014



By Phil Wade
Indiana Executive Director

Matthew ChernoffCarmel High School senior outfielder Matt Chernoff recently committed to Wabash Valley.  The 6-foot, 175 pounder attended last February's Preseason All-State showcase where he showcased a strong, accurate arm from the outfield at 85 mph along with athletic defensive actions.  He also ran a 7.09-60 at the event.  

PBR: Ultimately, why did you choose Wabash Valley?

Chernoff:  I decided to go to Wabash Valley because I believe it is the best fit for me, both academically as well as to sharpen my baseball skills.  Coach Fournier has a great reputation for developing players.  He knows a lot about the game and with hard work and his training and knowledge of the game, he will ultimately make me a better player during my time in his program.    

PBR: Where did Wabash Valley first see you compete?

Chernoff:  Wabash Valley first saw me at a fall tournament by Bullpen at Grand Park in Westfield, IN.  I played on Team Power Drive.  A few weeks later I attended a showcase at Wabash Valley.  This was the first time I met Coach Fournier and the rest of his staff.  After the camp, Coach Fournier called me and told me he would like to stay in touch with me.    

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play when you first arrive on campus next fall?

Chernoff:  When I arrive in Mt Carmel next fall, I plan on competing with my other teammates for playing time.  I will use my work ethic to not only improve my baseball skills, but also to show that I belong on the team.   

PBR: Were there any other schools you were considering?

Chernoff:  There were a few schools that I had an interest in over the last few years.  Rend Lake College had also sparked my interest, but Wabash Valley has been a school that was on my radar since my sophomore year in high school.  They have a great history of developing players and many of those players have moved on to 4-year programs.   

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

Chernoff:  The person with the biggest impact on my baseball life was my Grandpa.  He played ball for many years when he was younger.  He always had the time to teach me to throw and hit and help me get better.  He was actually teaching me to switch hit when I was in 2ndgrade.  Unfortunately, I never continued switch-hitting as the years went on.  Of course my coaches from school and travel teams also played a big role in my development.  The support from my family also had a great impact on me as well.

PBR: You played for the Aces Baseball Club this summer, how did playing with them help you develop as a baseball player?

Chernoff:  Coach Jay Lehr always made sure that I took care of my arm and Coach Chris Truby always made sure my swing was in sync with my body.   

PBR: What are you goals both individually and as team this coming spring at Carmel?

Chernoff:  This spring I have some personal goals in mind.  I would like to hit above 350.  In the field, I would like to keep hitters from hitting triples.  As a team, Carmel has quite a lot of talent this year.  We will take the season one game at a time.  The goals would be to win the MIC and then go as far as we can in the state tournament. 

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher you've faced in Indiana?

Chernoff:  There are many great pitchers in Indiana.  It is hard to choose just one, but I would have to say that Tyler Keith is one of the best.  He has a great submarine, and when he gets in the low 80’s, his slider is hard to hit.  He also hides the ball well and has great movement and control. 

PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?

Chernoff:  One of the best moments from last year was the Noblesville game.  It was under the lights at Noblesville.  It’s a great field.  There were many great plays and the emotion during the game stayed at a high level.  It is that kind of game that makes baseball a great sport to be a part of. 

Upcoming Events