'The Sky's The Limit' For Akron Commit Heisler

Will Heisler OF / 2B / Woodridge, OH / 2024

CUYAHOGA FALLS - Not everyone believed WIll Heisler was college baseball material.

“I always wanted to play at the next level but was always on the smaller side,” the 6-0 155-pounder related. “Coaches were telling me I was too small, but that was only motivation for me. I can still get it done. The sky’s the limit once I put on weight. I’m excited about where I’ll be.”

Not far from home is the destination for the Woodridge High School senior, who has committed to the University of Akron.

“They just got a new coaching staff,” Heisler explained. “The first time they saw me was at Baldwin-Wallace and the first time they were really interested in me was in Indiana. I had a good week and we started off texting. I also got a phone call, but they were busy with the new staff.

“I went on a visit after that and they offered. I accepted right away. I love the facilities and love everything about it. The staff made it feel like home to me, and it’s only 15 minutes from home.”

That is a major plus in the eyes of the 16th-ranked 2024 outfielder in Ohio.

“Growing up as a kid in Akron, I remember Akron didn’t even have a program for awhile,” Heisler reflected. “Then once they had it, there were all the coaching changes they’ve had. But I think this new coaching staff is here to stay. It’s where I’ve always wanted to play.”

Seton Hill and Lake Erie along with a few other out-of-state D-II schools showed interest in Heisler, as well as Eastern Michigan, but it was Akron that stood out.

“Akron showed the most interest,” Heisler pointed out. “They liked who I was as a person and as a baseball player.”

There is more about the 118th-rated senior in the state that grabbed the attention of the Mid-American Conference school.

“They recruited me as a utility guy,” Heisler said. “They love the fact that I can play anywhere in the outfield and they also think I can be a versatile player who can make an impact in the infield. They also like my speed and bat.”

Admittedly, it was a difficult recruiting process.

“It was slow and at times stressful,” Heisler related. “I’ve produced at every level I’ve played but it was still slow and I didn’t understand why I wasn’t getting looks. The Top Prospect Games helped me a lot with getting some looks. I also went to the State Games last year and the old coaching staff at Akron saw me there.”

Improvement was vital in getting noticed, especially with lacking in size.

“I took physicality to the next level over the last year,” Heisler explained. “I started out as a 130-pound freshman and could hit for no power. Once I put some physicality on, my power has gone up a lot. I hit four home runs in high school this year. My speed has also become a factor. My 60 is down in the 6.7s.”

The 17-year-old pointed to his father for helping the cause.

“My dad has always been there, helping me through everything to be the best I can be,” Heisler said. “He helped me with anything he could to put me in a position to succeed.”

Heisler sees a lot of success in the future at Akron.

“I see myself coming in as a leader,” Heisler noted. “I’m a competitor who will do everything to get on the field and everything to help the team win.

“We have a special group coming in with LA (Mighton), Jackson (Frasure) and Derek (Occhipinti). I think we can take Akron to the next level and win a championship.”

Although committed, Heisler understands the work is far from done.

“I need to put on more physicality,” Heisler said. “The second I put on weight and strength is the second I see balls flying out and me taking things to the next level by just hitting balls harder.”

Heisler, who carries a 3.72 GPA at Woodridge and plans to major in accounting, is excited to be part of the program at Akron.

“This is very relieving for me,” Heisler said of his commitment before the start of senior year of high school. “I didn’t have that much interest and I have a lot of close family that went to Akron. Everyone was very emotional with all the ties we have to Akron.”

It goes without saying that Heisler has high expectations when it comes to playing college baseball.

“I’m looking forward to competing at the next level with the guys I’m going to be doing it with,” Heisler concluded. “We have a bunch of guys that want to win and I think we’re going to chase a MAC championship.”