Evan Lee, 3B/OF, Lexington HS, Class of 2015

PBR: Why did you choose Kent State 

Lee:  The biggest reason was the coaching staff. I just felt comfortable being around the coaches, observing the way they interacted with the players made it seem like a family. I felt that the coaches can help take my game to the next level. I like the atmosphere and that they are a winning program. They have won the MAC like 14 out of the last 15 years. They also went to the CWS in 2012.

PBR: What other schools were you considering? 

Lee: WVU, Miami, Winthrop, Missouri, and Michigan

PBR:  Where did Kent State first see you compete? 

Lee: Coaches Birkbeck and Marconi watched my Ohio Elite team play at North Canton Hoover High School this summer. Coach Duncan watched me play at Indiana University for Team Ohio and the MW Future Games. Coach Marconi was at several games this past fall including our games in Florida.

PBR: You are only a Junior, how important was it to make you college decision so early? Are you finished with the recruiting process?

Lee: It wasn't necessarily important to commit early. I was fortunate that Kent State was interested in me as a student athlete and that I loved the campus, the coaches, and the program. A perfect fit.

PBR: Kent State has become major baseball program.  How much of a factor was playing in the MAC in your decision?

Lee: The MAC is not powerhouse of conferences. However, Kent is a proven winner and strives to make it back to the CWS. I will be able to play close to my friends and family.

PBR: You were on pretty much every major program radar screen.  What were expectations about the recruiting process and what advice can you give future players as they go through their recruitment?

Lee: Try to build a relationship with the schools that you are interested. I spoke to coach Marconi on a weekly basis during the recruiting process. Take it slow, visit as many schools as you can. Send e-mails to the coaches with your schedules and update them on the weekend before. The more the communication, the better.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that you will help Kent State?

Lee: I think hitting is my biggest strength. My strong work ethic will allow me to keep getting better. My goal is to eventually hit in the middle of the lineup and drive in runs.

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

Lee: It is hard for me to narrow it down to one person. I think my past coaches along with my parents have made the most impact. My parents made it possible for me to travel around and play the best competition in the country. I have played travel ball since I was 8 years old. I have spent countless hours on the baseball field with my parents. During the summer and the fall, my dad would throw 200-300 pitches a day to me for BP, while my mom would be running around the outfield gathering baseballs.

PBR:  What were you stats last spring for Lexington?

Lee: I hit around .300 last spring as a sophomore with 4 homeruns. I was also 4-0 on the mound with a 1.86 ERA.