Q&A with Michigan State Commit: Dan Chmielewski, OF, Utica Eisenhower, 2014
November 11, 2012
Dan Chmielewski recently committed to Michigan State. The 2014 outfield prospect from Utica Eisenhower is an outstanding student and athlete possessing a 4.0 GPA and 6.75 60-yard dash. Here is what Chmielewski had to say:
PBR: Congrats on committing to Michigan State. Why did you make this choice?
Chmielewski: I feel at home at Michigan State and comfortable around the coaching staff and on campus. I think it is the best fit for me as a player and student.
PBR: What other schools were you considering?
Chmielewski: I considered Michigan State, Michigan, and Western Michigan.
PBR: Was distance from home a factor in your decision?
Chmielewski: Yea, it's close enough to where I'm not more then a couple hours from home but far enough to get away from home.
PBR: Where did the coaches first see you? How did your
relationship develop with their coaching staff?
Chmielewski: I was first seen at a showcase on campus last summer and since then they had contacted my coaches. I would also give the coaches a call every week or so. Then when I became eligible the coaches started emailing me and I visited the campus a few times as well.
PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?
Chmielewski: I think they expect me to compete and be a player that can be ready to play as well as drive other guys to be better.
PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that will help your team?
Chmielewski: My biggest strength is my speed and I think it can help the team with my range in the field and speed on the bases.
PBR: What is an area that you feel you need to improve on?
Chmielewski: I need to improve my arm strength and always need some work on hitting and getting faster.
PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most memorable experience from this past summer?
Chmielewski: Last summer I played with the Anchor Bay Angels Baseball Club and my most memorable experience had to be either winning a tournament at Notre Dame or hanging around with the team at the hotel in Cincinnati. This summer I will be playing for the Motor City Hit Dogs.
PBR: Now that you have your commitment out of the way, what are your goals both individually and for the team going into next season?
Chmielewski: Individually, I want to improve on a lot of things. I want to get my 60 time down lower then what I'm at now and I want to get in the cages and develop my swing to be even better. For the team my goals are to be a team player and do what I can with my ability to win some ball games and be successful.