Michigan A 'Dream Come True' For Miller

LA SALLE TOWNSHIP - Noah Miller loved everything about Cincinnati. But Michigan has always been the dream school.

When a coaching change at UM took place a few months back a number of players decommitted from the Big 10 program as is usually the case. It left an opening that captured the attention of top-ranked 2023 catcher in the state.

“As soon as I realized there were no other catchers in the class I had to decommit and talk to Michigan,” the Monroe High School senior explained. “I didn’t want to talk behind Cincinnati’s back, which didn’t do anything wrong.”

A connection between Miller and the new staff at Michigan followed.

“I talked to them about things,” Miller related. “We set up a meeting and went over an offer. I knew Michigan was what I wanted. I grew up a Michigan fan and my room has always been decorated Michigan.”

Admittedly, Miller had hoped to be a commit to the university in Ann Arbor initially.

“I got a call from Michigan before I committed but they went cold on me,” Miller reflected. “That’s why I waited so long when Cincinnati offered after the 2020 Future Games. I didn’t commit until after the 2021 Future Games. I waited on Michigan because that’s where I wanted to go.”

After the recent coaching change took place, Miller was seen by the new staff while playing for the Cincinnati Spikes, which has two UM commits on the roster, Alfredo Velazquez and Michael Murphy.

“They like the energy I brought to the game behind the plate and that I was a tenacious competitor,” the 5-11 195-pounder pointed out. “They like the way I hit in the box, always attacking while still being a team player.”

While Michigan is the new home, a fondness for Cincinnati remains for the 11th-ranked senior in the state.

“Cincinnati didn’t do anything wrong,” Miller stressed. “They did a lot for me sitting on an offer for over a year which is more than you can ask for. I love Cincinnati, it’s a great place. I just felt my heart was with Michigan and that it was the place for me.”

A feeling of relief came after making it official with Michigan.

“I’m where I need to be,” Miller said. “I’ve always wanted to play at Michigan. It was a letdown when Michigan didn’t respond or show interest before, but everything came full circle.”

Plans are to major in exercise science or kinesiology for Miller, a 3.97 student excited about what lies ahead at the school 40 minutes from home.

“The ultimate goal is to win the College World Series,” Miller said. “As a player I’ll bring energy, leadership and hard work. I’ll be relentless behind the plate and do whatever I can to help us win.”

It has Miller looking forward to wearing the Maize-and-Blue that he has always displayed in his room as a lifelong Michigan fan.

“I can’t wait to play under the lights on Friday night,” Miller concluded. “I want to make the College World Series and with Michigan it’s a real thing that can happen.

“Cincinnati was awesome, I know the city well and it would have been great to be a part of that, but Michigan is a dream come true,” the 18-year-old added. “To represent that, have family close and to know some students there is just a great opportunity.”