Dream To Play At Cincinnati A Reality For Zeigler

CINCINNATI - When Trevor Zeigler was playing baseball from age 10 to 14 the teams he played on had the opportunity to go on the field for the National Anthem at the University of Cincinnati baseball games.

“That was cool,” Zeigler reflected. “After doing that I always made it a goal of mine to go there and play baseball.”

Mission accomplished for the West Clermont High School junior, who recently committed to the Big 12 Conference school.

“I went to the (Ohio Top) Prospect Games and that’s where they saw me and started showing interest,” the sixth-rated 2023 right-handed pitcher in Ohio said, referring to the PBR event back in June. “After that I went to a tournament and they showed interest but then stopped talking to me for two monts. But a few weeks ago I threw really well and they started talking to me again and I went on an unofficial visit after that tournament. They offered after my next tournament and three days later I committed.”

And the dream to stay near home for college was a reality.

“I was talking to a couple other schools but I’ve always wanted to go to UC,” Zeigler pointed out. “I’ve been watching them since I was a little kid and it’s always been my goal to go there.”

The 19th-ranked junior in the state found a lot else to like about the program.

“Definitely the coaching staff,” Zeigler said of what stands out about the school located 25 minutes from home. “I have a good relationship with (assistant coach) JD (Heilmann) and I think with him being the pitching coach, and the staff they have there, it will help me grow to play at the next level. Plus, the move to the Big 12 is another thing that drew me even more to playing at UC.”

Heilmann and company found Zeigler to be a good fit at Cincinnati.

“They like that I’m aggressive to the plate,” the hard-throwing right-hander noted. “My fastball has a lot of movement naturally without the two-seam. They also like the way I controlled the game.”

Improvement has come after starting to work out and lift at Pro Force.

“That’s helped me learn my body and learn about recovery,” Zeigler explained. “It’s also helped with getting ready before games. I also focus more on arm care.”

Mike Ayers, pitching coach for Zeigler since he was seven-years-old, has been instrumental in both development and recruitment as the dream to play at the next level came to fruition.

“Playing college baseball and Division I baseball has always been a goal of mine,” the 6-1 185-pounder said. “When I started getting attention from Division I schools it hit me that I was going to play in college. It started to become realistic at the start of high school season my sophomore year when colleges began reaching out.”

Zeigler enjoyed the process throughout.

“Overall it was really good,” Zeigler noted. “I talked to a lot of schools and got to know a lot of new people. It helped me communicate with other players and get to know other college coaches and build relationships.”

The 3.7 student undecided on a college major believes he can make a quick impact at Cincinnati.

“I really think I will have an opportunity to compete as soon as I go there and better the team,” the 16-year-old related. “I’ll also contribute off the field with academics and being the best person I can be.”

The chance to play at the next level near home is an added plus.

“It’s really going to be a cool experience playing Power 5 Division I baseball,” Zeigler pointed out. “It’s also still close to home so my family and friends can come watch.

“I’m really looking forward to the hard competition and being surrounded by others who are gonna push me to be the best I can be.”

Although the commitment is a reality, Zeigler admits it is still hard to believe.

“It really hasn’t sunk in that I’m going to play D-I baseball,” Zeigler concluded. “I’ve been overwhelmed by the support and congratulations I’ve gotten. It’s just so exciting to know I’m going to play and compete at the next level.”