Inside the Recruitment: '16 1B/LHP Diaz Saunderson commits to Indiana Wesleyan

PBR: Why did you choose Indiana Wesleyan?

Saunderson:  I went to visit the school and meet with the Coach and I was impressed with the facility, how the Coach talked about the program and how I could be an important part of the Jigsaw puzzle to help make things happen with the Baseball program.  The campus is very cool, big, yet small enough that you can walk everywhere. Also, it's a Christian based University and my family and I are Christians, and that was important to me, to find a school that had Christian values.  IWU, just felt like the right place for me and after a lot of soul searching and conversations with my parents, we all agreed that this was the right decision for me.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Saunderson:  Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan University, Lawrence Tech, Indiana Tech, Albion, Hartland Jnr College in Illinois, J. A.  Logan in Illinois were being considered.

 

PBR: Where did the IW coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Saunderson:  They saw video footage of me. I guess the Coach liked what he saw, because then he contacted me  ask if he could meet with me at the Campus.  My mom and I drove to IWU , met with Coach Benjamin and his Assistant (who also happens to be the Pitching Coach) walked around the school to get a feel of the place, then worked out for the Coach doing B.P. and everything just kind of clicked into place after that.

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

Saunderson:  The Coach has already asked me if I would be prepared to be a two position player 1st Base & Pitcher and I am more than happy to that. As well as D.H and maybe some outfield.  I hope to come in and be an impact player straight out the gate.

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

Saunderson:  I believe (as of right now anyway) that my bat is my biggest asset and that can be very helpful, for a team that has struggled offensively this past season.  

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was the most memorable experience from this summer?

Saunderson:  I was supposed to play for the Michigan Bulls, however due to injury, I could not play this past summer.

PBR: Now that recruiting process is over what are your individual and team goals for this spring?

Saunderson: Now that the recruiting process is over, my main focus will be to train as much as possible to reach my max potential as a player and be physically ready for the year ahead.