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Q&A with Bradley Commit Paul Stefiuk

September 26, 2016

By Matt Huck
Area Scout

Recently 2018 RHP Paul Stefiuk of Green Bay Preble committed to Bradley University. Stefiuk is ranked No. 18 in the Wisconsin Class of 2018. He represented Wisconsin at the 2016 PBR Future Games in Indiana. Here is a report on him from the event.

Paul StefiukFuture Games 2016 - Large frame, 6-foot-3, 200-pound right-handed pitcher. Over the top arm action, slight plunge on back side, gets hard tilt on fastball. Delivery works with slight effort, works out and around to closed landing. Fastball works downhill, good tilt, misses are typically down, works well to the bottom of the zone, sat 84-87 mph, touched 88 mph. Curveball is a 12/6 bender, flashed depth. As command to the bottom of the zone continues to improve he will continue to produce ground balls at a high rate.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Stefiuk: I really didn't know what to expect from the recruiting process. It was a lot more than I expected. Once it got started it went really quickly. The difficult part was deciding where to go.    

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Stefiuk: I was looking for a high quality education. I wanted a baseball program that would help me become a better player and get me to the next level. 

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Stefiuk: No, not really. But as it turns out I will be pretty close to family.

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Stefiuk: It all started right after the PBR Future games. The very next day I was talking to colleges. I highly recommend the PBR Future Games.

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Stefiuk: They first saw me at the Future Games. We stayed in contact over the phone and they invited me for a visit.  

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Stefiuk: The baseball program is on the rise and has goals of making it to the college world series. I am also looking forward to working with their pitching coach. 

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Stefiuk: Purdue University and Illinois State. 

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Stefiuk: He isn't from our state but toughest pitcher I've ever faced was Sean Sinisko from Top Tier Baseball. We have faced him many times and can never come out on top. 

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Stefiuk:  I always knew I wanted to work hard and play baseball in college. But when I started playing on the Green Bay Sluggers, I knew that I could make it.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Stefiuk: Work hard everyday and don't give up when it gets hard. Everyone goes through a time where they think they aren't good enough to make it, but you have to keep working and believing in yourself.

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Stefiuk: Being invited to represent Wisconsin in the PBR Futures Games and playing with and against some of the best players in the country.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Stefiuk: I believe that our high school team is going to be one of the top high school teams in the state. Our goal for this coming year is to win state. We made it to the semi finals last year but this year we want to win it all. 

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Stefiuk: I've played with the Wisconsin Panthers and the Green Bay Shockers legion team. This fall and summer I will be playing with the GRB Rays in Madison. My most memorable experience was winning the Omaha Slumpbuster tournament with the Wisconsin Panthers.   

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