Q&A with Central Arkansas Commit LHP Brady Walker (Olathe Northwest, 2018)

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

Walker: I wasn’t really sure what to expect but I relied on my coaches at Natural Baseball to help me throughout the process.  In the end I learned that it isn’t easy but it isn’t difficult, it just requires you to find a school that would fit you well. My coaches were a big help but I learned it is important for each player to take ownership of the process.



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

Walker: I wanted to stay in the Midwest region.  We have plenty of high-quality programs around here so I didn’t think it was necessary to look much further than that.



PBR: Where did Central Arkansas first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Walker: They first saw me in Fayetteville in the summer of 2016.  From there I looked into the school and their program and learned it would be a great fit.   I attended their prospect camp that fall and stayed in touch with the pitching coach throughout the next year.   



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

Walker: The best player I have faced in my state would be Lawrence Free State’s Dale Miller. He dominated on the mound both times we faced them. All of his pitches looked the same out of his hand and were very hard to read. Throwing from the left side he was able to shut down bats unlike any other pitcher I’ve faced.



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

Walker: Work hard while having fun. Every rep you take, do it with a purpose. Also be open-minded when looking at schools and find a place that will fit you well. 



PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?  

Walker: I workout at Boost Sports Performance for conditioning and work with Brian Holman to help me better my pitching skills.

PBR: 

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

Walker: My most memorable moment would be the championship of regionals last high school season when I threw 7 2/3 innings, as we were able to beat Free State to make it to state. 



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

Walker: I really liked the coaching staff and the school. When I toured the campus I really liked it and knew it would be a great place for me to get my education while playing baseball

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

Walker: I didn’t have any other schools on my short list, Central Arkansas was first choice from the start

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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?

Walker: I would say it started to heat up towards the end of my junior year. The event that I’d say turned the corner for me would be when I went down to UCA for their prospect camp so they could see me for a second time. 

PBR: 

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

Walker: The upcoming season for Olathe Northwest we are returning a few valuable players that helped us get to state last year. We look to not only return to the state tournament but to bring home the first state championship in school history. I plan to enjoy the final season I have with my high school teammates and be better than I was last season.

PBR: 

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

Walker: I play with Natural Baseball Academy under Coaches Clark and Scott Jones. My most memorable experience with them would be the Marucci World Series in Houston TX for the 2016 season and Baton Rouge LA this past summer. It was a great experience competing against some of the best teams in the country along with bonding with my teammates.