Brad Kirschner, LHP, Ripley Union Lewis HS, Class of 2013

PBR: Why did you choose Xavier?

Kirschner: Xavier is great academically. They have small class sizes and the coaches went out of their way to express their want for me.

PBR: Xavier is very close to home.  How much of a role did that play in your decision?

Kirschner: Distance from home wasn't a factor in determining where I would commit to play. I am excited that I am so close to home though. It's easier for my family and friends to watch games held at Xavier.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Kirschner:I narrowed my choice down to Wright State and Xavier. Two teams with great chemistry.

PBR: Where did Xavier coaching stafff first see you?  How did your relationship develop with them?

Kirschner: Coach Hayden was the first coach to see me. He came to one of my practices at Midland.  Coach Otte came to a fall ball game and a showcase held through Champions.  I had never met coach Googins until my official visit, two weeks ago.  He is very enthusiastic and seems like he is as excited as I am.

PBR: Now that you have your commitment out of the way, what are your individual and team goals going into the spring season?

Kirschner: Going into the spring season, I plan to be the SHL leader in strikeouts for my 3rd straight year. I plan on being one of the top pitchers in Ohio and make the SHL All-Conference for my 4th straight year.

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

Kirschner: My first year on campus, the coaches expect my competitiveness to be displayed immediately.  They seem to think that I have a curveball that will be effective my first year.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? 

Kirschner: I never expected the recruiting process to be so stressful. I didn't realize that I would have to put in that much work.

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

Kirschner: As a baseball player, Tom House, Mike Daly, and my dad have the biggest impact on me as a baseball player. Tom has worked with me for three years and builds my confidence on my future in baseball. Mike has told me that I would be a D-1 pitcher ever since I was 8. My dad has been the one pushing me every year. He always finds something that I need to work on in order to be more successful.

PBR: What were your stats this spring season at Ripley Union Lewis?

Kirschner: I had over 80 strikeouts. My ERA was 1.7 . My fielding percentage was 1.000.  This past spring was my best year hitting. I had a batting average of .451.

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter that you have faced in Ohio?

Kirschner: The toughest hitter that I have ever faced in Ohio was my friend/teammate Zack Shannon.  He has the fastest bat speed that I have ever seen and his power is unreal. He helps me out from a hitter's standpoint on what he sees that is wrong with my hitting and gives me feedback.