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Josh Oddi, INF, Gahanna Lincoln HS, Class of 2017

PBR: Why did you choose Ohio Dominican?

Oddi: I visited ODU a couple times, and just felt a home. There is A lot of opportunities for me. Also the facilities are great and the school aspect sold me, and had a big impact on my pick. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Oddi:  I was considering Siena Heights, and also OU. 

PBR: Where did Ohio Dominican first see you? How did your relationship develop with coaching staff?

Oddi: Brian Hull, was my assistant coach last year at Gahanna Lincoln High School, and recently joined the staff at ODU. He was interested in me, so I can on a visit to see if I liked the school. Then a few weeks later I went to a camp, and they really liked my skills. I then took the ACT, and got the score I needed, and then I got an offer so I took it. Over time I felt like the coaches and I had a terrific bond, and I felt like it was home. 

PBR: Coach Antonides was hired as the head coach for ODU this summer, how does it feel to be a part of his first recruiting class?

Oddi: It's an honor, I feel like the future is bright for ODU. I have seen the other commits around, and looks like a strong group. I feel like coach Antonides has a lot of talent to work with, and I feel like he will use it to his advantage. 

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?

Oddi: I feel that the coaching staff wants me to be a hard worker, and also bring my talent to.  It's highest level, because they know what I can do. Also I feel that they want me to have a fresh start and put the time and effort in that is needed. 

PBR: What summer team do you play on and how has travel baseball helped your development as a player?

Oddi: I have played on 3 travel teams, the latest one was the Ohio Sharks. I feel that playing in the top tournaments has gotten me to my prime. Also playing against top level teams has got me around and also into the recruiting spotlight. Travel ball definitely had an impact on my baseball career. 

PBR: What was the most memorable experience from this summer?

Oddi: My most memorable experience from the summer was playing in the regional tournament. I feel like this even showed me that I can play at a high level, and still compete. This event is when I started to realize that I can be a dominant college player.  
PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

Oddi: My coaches over the years have had the biggest impact on me. The past 3 years I have been hearing positive thoughts about my baseball skills, and these positive thoughts have made me into the baseball player, and the person I am today.  

PBR: What were your stats for this last season?

Oddi: I was our starting third baseman on Gahanna Lincoln's varsity team. I also batted 4th for our team. I had my most impressive year of my life, the past year. 

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher that you have faced in Ohio?

Oddi: The toughest pitcher that I have faced in Ohio would be Magno from Dublin. I faced him in the District semis, and he was impressive but my team and I had a lot of success that game.