Kyle Casserly, OF, Pickerington Central HS, Class of 2014

PBR: Why did you choose West Virginia?

Casserly:  It felt like the right fit for me. The coaching staff is great, the facilities are outstanding, and they are in one of the best baseball conferences in the country. Also, it is not too far away from home.

PBR: What other schools were you considering? 

Casserly:  Ohio State, Western Kentucky, Wright State, Miami, Ball State, Akron, and Oakland.

PBR: Where did the West Virginia coaches first see you?  How did your relationship develop with them? 

Casserly:  They saw me at a Boston Red Sox showcase and they saw me during the Fall PBR League.  During this high school season, they came and saw me play. I called them that night after my game and we have been in contact ever since.

PBR:  West Virginia is currently playing in the Big 12.  How much of an affect did that have on your decision?  

Casserly:  WVU being in the Big 12 did have an impact on my decision. I’ve always wanted to play in a big baseball conference for a school that I have watched on television, and a lot of those schools were from the Big 12. I will get to play for a great team, against some great teams, and in some outstanding facilities.

PBR:  You recently attended PBR’s Top Prospect Showcase.  How did that help you in the recruiting process?

Casserly:  The Top Prospect games allowed me to showcase my skills for WVU and a lot of other schools. I received a lot of positive feedback from schools that were recruiting me and from schools that I had not had any contact from yet.

PBR:  West Virginia is in the early stages of building a new stadium.  How does it feel to know that you will be one of the first recruiting classes to play on the field?

Casserly:  It is going to be amazing and it is going to feel great starting a new legacy on a new field. On my visit, I got to see where it is going to be built.

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

Casserly:  The coaches expect me to come in and work hard for a position in the outfield or first base. The opportunity is there for me as long as I work hard and stay humble. It is up to me in order to play, nothing is a given.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? 

Casserly:  I expected it to be a lot of fun because this only happens once, if you are lucky. I was able to visit a lot of schools, meet some great coaches, and create memories for a lifetime.

PBR: What were your stats this spring season at Pickerington Central? 

Casserly:  .465; 9 2B; 1 3B; 2 HR; and 30 RBI
 

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

Casserly:  Alec Tuohy