Connor Donovan, 1B/3B/RHP, Pennington Prep, Class of 2013 

                                                             

PBR:  Where have you decided to attend college and why did you make this choice?
Donovan:  Lehigh University.  I chose Lehigh because of its outstanding academics.  I put a lot of time and work into my education and I want to continue that at a college with a great academic environment that will give me the opportunity to excel afterwards.  Also, I like the location, the campus and facilities.  I wanted to play division I baseball and the Patriot League is the right fit for me.  Plus I really liked the coaching staff.

PBR:  What other schools were you considering?
Donovan:  I considered schools from the Patriot League, Ivy League, Big East and Big South Conferences as well as the elite academic schools in the NESCAC.

PBR:  Was distance from home a factor in your decision?
Donovan:  Yes, my parents have seen me play since I’ve played T-ball and making it easy for them to continue to support me was a factor. 

PBR:  Where did the coaches first see you?  How did your relationship develop with their coaching staff?
Donovan:  I played summer baseball at various showcases across the east coast.  I was originally seen at one of these events and then again at the Show Ball Academic Showcase in Long Island, NY.  Coach Leary and I had an initial meeting on campus where we spent a good time talking and touring the facilities.  He was very open about their recruiting process and knowledgeable about my abilities. 

PBR:  What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?
Donovan:  I’m not sure yet, but my versatility was important to them in their recruiting efforts.  I’m still 16 years old and will be 16 during the start of my senior year and at 6-foot-3, 195-pounds, they feel I still have lots of potential.  Also, I can play 1B, 3B and pitch, maxing out at 85 mph.  I haven’t placed much effort on pitching yet but feel with conditioning and coaching I can throw harder by the time I get to Lehigh.  There’s a good chance I will play multiple positions. 

PBR:  What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that will help your team?
Donovan:  I’m athletic and a very good defensive player who can hit with gap power.  I have a strong arm and as mentioned, I am versatile and can play multiple positions.

PBR:  Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most memorable experience from this past summer?
Donovan:  I play with All Star Baseball Academy and I played against some great players at Select Fest (NJ), Mid Atlantic Top 100 (PA), Dynamic Wood Bat Tournament (VA), Impact World Series (NC) and the PGWWBA (GA).  My most memorable experiences include hitting a triple at Rutgers Stadium, hitting a double off the wall at Old Dominion University, playing at UNC and NC State was great and playing at the PGWWBA against Team Elite Georgia, which had many top Division I recruits and MLB prospects was memorable.

PBR:  What is your current GPA?
Donovan:  3.90 with honors and AP courses 

PBR:  Now that you have your commitment out of the way, what are your goals both individually and for the team going into your senior season?
Donovan:  I’m the only returning senior on my high school team so I’d like to focus on preparing my teammates for the season through winter workouts and other preseason training.  I’m looking forward to leading the team to more wins than last year and I look forward to enjoying my last season playing with them.  Personally, I’d like to win the state prep tournament, something I’ve yet to do in my three years to date as a varsity starter.  I’ll also be working hard to get stronger and faster for college.

PBR: How did Prep Baseball Report aid you in gaining exposure as a potential college baseball recruit?
Donovan:  The Prep Baseball Report included me as one of their top 100 players in the state of Pennsylvania.  This was an important milestone for coaches who are looking at player’s abilities, stats and accomplishments.  I feel PBR showcase events are a great opportunity for many players to get exposure to coaches and a good way to measure their own abilities to set expectations.