Committed by Kevin Karstetter: Baseball recruiting from Juco to D1 to National Champion

In this episode of Committed, Kate sits down with longtime friend and standout baseball player Kevin Karstetter to unpack the real journey through college athletics.

Kevin’s path wasn’t linear. After earning his first Division I scholarship offer at just 15 years old, his career took multiple unexpected turns, including losing his senior season to COVID, choosing the junior college route, transferring to Arizona State, navigating NCAA eligibility rules, and ultimately helping lead the University of Tampa to a national championship.

Kevin shares what JUCO baseball is really like, why it can be one of the best development paths for athletes, and the mindset required to keep going when your plan doesn’t work out.

From early recruiting pressure to mental resilience and learning to love the game again, this conversation is a raw look at the sacrifices, pivots, and perspective it takes to stay committed to the sport you love.

Social Media: @k_karstetter 

• To reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/
• Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgerald
• Substack: @committedbykatefitzgerald
• YouTube: @kateafitzgerald

Transcript

SPEAKER_02 0:00

Going Duco, people think it sets you back. It really doesn't. At Arizona State, you're not playing in front of 7,000 people or flying private. Like it's not all those fun, glitzy, glamorous things that kids dream about. They really love the sport you're playing. My dad and brother sent me down and they were like really realistic, like you lost your whole senior year of high school baseball, basically. Just be your 12-year-old self. Like be the same kid that was playing Little League baseball. Go play the entire season like that mentally, and you'll be free.

SPEAKER_00 0:25

Do you really think the key is just getting in front of the coaches in any way you can fight?

SPEAKER_02 0:30

I think yes and no.

SPEAKER_00 0:32

What does it really take to make it to the next level in sports? And is it worth the sacrifices? If you could ask a closure pro athlete want to find filter questions on their journey, what would it be? And why? And are the choices you're making today? The teams, the coaches, the training schedule, and the study of the success of three out before you think you get there. I'm Keith Gerald, a D1 Beach volleyball player walk-on-turn scholarship athlete, female sport leader, and now the founder of two businesses, Built Through NIL. But none of that can easily. And trust me, most of it was a broker. Hi everyone, and welcome to this week's podcast. Today I have a very special guest. Not only is he an incredible athlete, but a very good friend of mine. And he is a longtime standout from State College, Pennsylvania. Kevin earned his first Division I scholarship offer at age 15, but eventually committed to a JUCO where he crushed it, batting 415 with 77 RBIs in his junior season and earning several player of the year honors. He then transferred to Arizona State, slashing 260, 372, and 410 over 34 games before going on to Tampa, where he contributed significantly to a Division II national championship with a 332, 414, and 500 line, including a clutch game tying home runner in elimination. He now enters Penn State for his graduate season, a kind of full circle moment for Kevin since he's a local homecoming edition. His extra eligibility stems from both COVID-19 disruptions and a court ruling granting JUCO athletes an additional season. Please welcome Kevin.

SPEAKER_02 2:04

Hi guys, appreciate it. Thank you for having me on, Kate.

SPEAKER_00 2:07

Very excited to have you today in this episode. We're gonna dive really a lot into Kevin's story, winding the journey through JUCO, D1, championship baseball, highlighting how he overcame setbacks, turning down pro offers, staying in college, and just really staying mentally locked in through every twist and turn along the way. So Kevin, very excited to have you today. As I said, Kevin's also a good friend of mine as former athletes from ASU. And so this is a really exciting episode for me. But uh just kind of to get into it, I'm gonna go ahead and Kevin, why don't you introduce yourself? Tell us a little bit about your story, where you started, and yeah, take it away.

SPEAKER_02 2:43

Yeah, so um story starts in Pennsylvania. Uh grew up in a small town where most people probably know where Penn State is at. Um it's a small town called State College. So grew up there, born and raised, played like Little League, all that fun stuff, a couple of sports growing up, basketball, baseball, a little bit of soccer, and then went to State College High School for a couple of years, and then was fortunate enough to transfer to IMG Academy, which a lot of people are familiar with, and did two years there. And then that's when like the journey got pretty crazy for me. But my senior year of high school is when COVID hit. So I know we're gonna dive into it a little bit. But uh yeah, I've seen a lot. I've been really blessed. Also at the same time, I've faced some hard adversity. But uh, that's what's fun about it. And I've got to play a game that I really enjoy my whole life. So at the end of the day, I'm really lucky.

SPEAKER_00 3:29

That's amazing. I remember I was coming out of high school 2020, and I think you and I have talked about this, also facing some adversity, transferring schools and different things with COVID hitting. So definitely a unique COVID story and time to be entering college athletics with NIL changes and everything. But kind of my first question for you is rewinding back to your hometown roots. What was it like for you growing up in a state college PA and getting a D1 offer? Because your first offer came at just the age of 15, right? I mean, now rules have changed. That can't even happen. So, what was that like for you?

SPEAKER_02 4:00

It was crazy. Honestly, for me, I was really lucky because my brother, my older brother, played division one baseball. He was a big high score crew. And like, long story short, he turned down professional opportunities out of high school, but had a bunch of college offers and ended up going to the University of Virginia and then went to a junior college for a year. And that's where he got drafted by the Tigers out of a junior college. So I had a lot of his wisdom um and his guidance. So he kind of put me on the right track on how to get recruited out of high school. So, like playing on good travel teams, going to the right showcases, and my dad knew where to put me, which honestly is a huge advantage that I just wouldn't have known what to do. You know what I mean? Uh, there's just so many kids that are talented, but maybe they just don't know where to go. So, in that aspect, just because I was a small town or from a small town, it really didn't matter as much. Um, because I I my dad and my brother, like I said, and obviously my mom put me in in the right opportunities and the right showcases to get seen at a young age. And yeah, it's I mean, I was a taller eighth grader and I had the size and some of the strength was there. And obviously, my brother um had earned his a good reputation amongst uh college coaches. So I was kind of like the younger brother coming through. And I wouldn't say I had like a golden spoon in the process, but like I had an advantage because my brother had been through it. So I was a little bit more fortunate.

SPEAKER_00 5:13

Well, that's exciting, and that's hopefully what this is. You're giving these kids listening a golden spoon with some of your information that like you had. So, two notes. One, you said that your dad kind of knew where to place you cut from your brother. So, in that regard, what do you mean by that? Where did he place you? Where did he put you? How did you have that, like you said, golden spoon opportunity? Like, what were those opportunities?

SPEAKER_02 5:35

Yeah. So my dad played, funny enough, he played junior college baseball, walked on to a junior college down here in Florida. It's now known as FSW. It was formerly known as uh Thomas Edison uh community college. So he walked on to there and then he bounced up to a junior college in the Northeast, had a great two seasons there, and then finished his career playing at Penn State. So he played at Penn State as well back in 1985 and 1986. And um, so he kind of got used, you know, he played Division I baseball and kind of knew, like, I guess when he had sons, he wanted that experience for them as well. So he kind of helped with run a travel team in the Northeast. So we played for his travel team and the head coach, they put us on their team from a young age, I'd say 14 or 15, and we got on the travel showcase. And then he just knew that for you to get seen in front of the schools you wanted to go to. So, like, my first offer was Virginia Tech. So he took me to a Virginia Tech camp and we did like uh we played like games on there. So it was like four travel teams, and we all played each other for a weekend in front of the coaches. This is back when like the rules were different. I don't know if you can still do that, but um, that really helped. I remember I hit a home run and I pitched and I was like doing really well in the weekend, and um the coaches came out to me. I was in ninth grade, I was 15 years old. He came out to me on the mound and offered me a scholarship right then and there. So it happened really quick. But like I said, if my dad didn't put me at those showcases or those camps, like none of that stuff would have happened as quick as it did for me.

SPEAKER_00 6:54

So I was like, So do you so do you think really the key, because there's so many tips and tricks for recruitment, do you really think the key is just getting in front of the coaches in any way you can to play and just playing true to yourself?

SPEAKER_02 7:07

I think yes and no. I think like, like I said, I was more of a physically mature kid. So there were, you know, I had a leg up on kids at that age, and obviously kids caught up to me and surpassed me as we got older because they just matured later. But at that point in time, like I was ready to be recruited, I guess, in a sense. Like I was attractive to the eye for a college scout because I was young and had the size. So I had to go to those camps, and it was just a matter of me getting in front of them and eventually they would, you know, like the player that they were seeing me. But um, for most kids, I would say it's probably the opposite. They need more time in the weight room, they need more time, like taking care of their body and really training to get ready for those showcases. Cause once you get in front of them, like that first impression is so important. Like for me, my first impression was good, like it was a solid, I was ready to perform. But for some kids, it might take a little longer. So I wouldn't say it's for everybody, but um, it depends on where you're at physically.

SPEAKER_00 7:58

No, that makes so much sense, and that's true. Like each kid, it's it's different. But then for you, when you got that offer at 15, like how did you how did you not just say yes on the spot or like, I'm sure your parents helped you, but you know, what was that feeling as a 15-year-old, if you remember, when they were like, Hey, we want you to come play for us in college?

SPEAKER_02 8:16

Yeah, I remember it vividly, and it's it was crazy. I wanted to say yes right away. This campus was beautiful, they had a nice turf field. The coach had offered my brother, you know, like two or three years uh prior, but he ended up choosing Virginia, their rival over Virginia Tech. So I was like, Man, I love this place. It's good weather, ACC baseball. I wanted to say yes. I remember telling him on the mound, I my mom has a video of it, like when he walked out to me. And I remember what I said. I was like, man, I want to do it. Let me just talk to my parents. And um, I'm glad I probably said that because I'm all parents like, yeah, just slow down. Like you're you're two weeks into your first run at high school, you're a ninth grader, like you have so much ahead of you, you have no clue if you really want to go there. It was just my first offer. So I was excited, but I'm glad I you know, you know what I mean? I'm glad I asked my parents for some there.

SPEAKER_00 8:59

Yeah, that's good advice to any everyone is like, ask your parents, don't just say yes, do your due diligence, do some research, figure out like what do you want to do? There's a lot of time. That's awesome. So then that was your first offer. So then from that point moving forward, you obviously were very had good guidance. And so, how did you then decide to commit? Did you tour a lot of universities? Were how many emails did you send out and receive yeses and no's? And like, what was it like once you did?

SPEAKER_02 9:25

Yeah. So after that offer from Regina Tech, then I went on the summer circuit with the Keynes National, and that's when I really got seen by the big schools, Kentucky and the SEC schools and North Carolina, Florida Atlantic, where I ended up eventually committing to. But uh yeah, that process was just like, I'm glad I let it play out. I ended up committing about probably 14 months after that first offer. So I was still 16, which was pretty young. I was one of the first kids to commit, especially in the state of PA, I remember. But at the time, like I said, I was young and I just knew I have an uncle that lives in Boca. I knew I wanted to go to Florida because my dad said that's the best weather. So I was like, I want to go down south. It's a funny story. My brother had ended up signing to Florida Atlantic as well. We weren't gonna cross over and play together. He's a little older than me. So we had a great relationship with the coaches, one of the coaches from uh central Pennsylvania. So it was more just a relationship thing with me that I felt with them uh and that staff that I didn't feel is like maybe the bigger schools. Um, but then flash forward, you know, three or four years later, when you mature a little bit, you start to realize you want to play at a bigger school, which is why I ended up going to junior college. And I know we're gonna get to that, but yeah, I committed early.

SPEAKER_00 10:32

Yeah, no, that's I mean, that's great. Next question is because you did commit early, but then you decided, as you just said, you know, this isn't actually what I want. So, first of all, how did you go about that process with like, okay, I committed somewhere, but now I actually want to change that mind? Like, how did you have those conversations? How did that go?

SPEAKER_02 10:48

It was tough. It was really tough because like I gave somebody my word, and uh then COVID, you know, I stayed, I signed to FAU. I was committed there for whatever, two and a half, maybe almost three years. And then COVID hit, and that's when all the fifth-year seniors got an extra year eligibility. So yeah, I mean, I felt like I wasn't afraid to compete, right? I could have gone in there and done it, but at the same time, my dad and brother sat me down and they were like really realistic with me. They were like, You lost your whole senior year of high school baseball, basically. You're gonna go in as a 17-year-old competing with 24-year-olds that are clearly way stronger and just fold their head than you, they have way more bats than you. Like, you need to play at this age. Like, if you don't play, like you're not a finished product, you're not you're not a superstar. So, like, you need to go play. And they told me, like, you need to go to junior college. And I've just always trusted them and went to the same junior college that my big brother went to, and it worked out.

SPEAKER_00 11:37

So that's great advice. That's wonderful advice. I feel like kids nowadays are expected to just like have it figured out and they're supposed to be ready to go out of high school. So that's really good advice. And I'm sure you had an incredible run when you went to JUCO. I mean, here you batted over 415. You were racking up all sorts of stats, awards, you were there for a couple of years. Like, what mindset carried you through all those breakout seasons out of junior college? And how did you keep your eye on the idea that I'm going to go somewhere after this?

SPEAKER_02 12:06

That was the motivator right there. It's like, I don't know if anybody's ever watched like hard knocks. It's maybe not that extreme. Like the JUCO I went to was really nice. Like the coaches were awesome. You know, you're obviously in Florida near the beach. So it was a good experience, but it's not big time. Like you're not playing at Arizona State, you're not playing in front of 7,000 people or flying private. Like it's not all those fun, glitzy, glamorous things that kids dream about. So when you go JUCO, you're kind of going for yourself in a way. Like once you get there, you want to win, obviously, with the team, but it's a personal decision. And um, that's the route I took, you know what I mean? So I kind of had to find myself, which was good for me. I had to find out how to make my own schedule and work out really hard and you know, bust my butt to want to get to the next level. And at the same time, I was mentally trying to prepare like, hey, I need to be ready. So when I get to the next level, like I can at least make an impact or have a chance to get on the field. You know what I mean? Things like that. So Juke goes a great route, especially in baseball. It's super common. I'm so glad I did it. I have no regrets, but it's definitely hard. I mean, you get to find you have to find yourself a little bit.

SPEAKER_00 13:03

What do you mean when you say find yourself? Because I think every athlete at all the different I remember coming into ASU and that freshman year was rough. I was like, oh my God. I remember for the first time I was getting C's every day in class. I just didn't know what I was doing, how to navigate that schedule. So, like at JUCO, you're you at a D1, you have it laid out for you. You know, there's very clear times and what you need to do, there's systems in place. So, how did you navigate that? How did you find yourself during that time?

SPEAKER_02 13:30

I would say it's different at JUCO because there's the reason why would be there's not as many resources, right? So, like we didn't have an academic advisor, we didn't have a we didn't lift as a team in my three years at JUCO. We we never had one team left, which is crazy.

SPEAKER_00 13:43

So I had to go that's crazy.

SPEAKER_02 13:45

Yeah, it is, it is pretty crazy. And that's not a knock on the JUCO, it's just that schools don't have the funding. So our head coach is actually our academic person. He taught a class, was professor, that's how he made his money. And um, the side was the head baseball coach and was also setting up our classes. So, you know, you become independent because you got to ask questions. Like if something doesn't look right, I had to go ask him or ask the athletic director. Like it's more of a smaller feel, and at the same time, I had to go seek a trainer and get on a good schedule with him to lift, you know, throughout the week and do speed training and all that stuff. So it just made me mature. Whereas like things weren't just handed to me in a sense, needed to kind of take on some independency.

SPEAKER_00 14:24

That's incredible. And I think that's actually like if in comparison, if we look at you know, D1 and having that opportunity, there's so many benefits to both. But looking at life after college, that was probably setting set you up for so much more success for you know life after sport and real world than you know, probably some experiences at D one. Would you say so?

SPEAKER_02 14:44

I would absolutely agree. And I'm jealous of like people like you and all my buddies who you know stuck it out with their D1 commitments and did four years of that, but everyone's different. Like, I just I needed to hit adversity, I needed to grow up a little bit for sure. Yeah, just like I guess everybody else. And I would say the the Juco route, I mean it helped me, it helped me do it. It honestly helped me do it.

SPEAKER_00 15:04

It sounds incredible.

SPEAKER_02 15:05

Yeah, it is. It really is. It's just not it's not as blitzy, you know what I mean? Like you you have to enjoy, you have to really love the sport you're playing. Like the fields aren't super nice, you're not getting Nike gear, you're not getting decked out, there's no smoothies after your lifts, like it's all that stuff.

SPEAKER_00 15:19

Um also you also are baseball. We weren't we weren't always getting all of that too. Each sport's different, you know, each sport's different.

SPEAKER_02 15:27

Yeah, every sport should get it, but um no, that's true.

SPEAKER_00 15:30

I mean, that's incredible. I think that there's so many people that see D1 and they think that's the only option. And even my brother, he's at D3, they're similar from what I'm hearing of your experience at JUCO, but he gets so many academic opportunities. So it's really like you know, taking a look, and I love the sport, but what do I want to do? And it sounds like you did a really good job at navigating that.

SPEAKER_02 15:50

For sure. No, I appreciate it. I I did, I got better as it, and at the same time, you can only I got lucky because of COVID, but you you only can play JUCO for two years. Like you can get an associate's degree and then you have to move on. So it's really like a it's a rental, it's a short-term experience, and then you're supposed to move on to your D1. From my experience, um, once once you move on, though, you really appreciate the things at the division one level, like all those little things we talked about, just getting treated. Grateful. Yeah, you're way more grateful. That's what changed the most for me. My gratitude perspective when I went to JUCO, it just changed for me.

SPEAKER_00 16:21

That's awesome. And what also is really cool is so many people think now with the transfer portal, JUCO is actually like not an option, but you actually you went through it with transfer portal with NIL is when you left, and it had already been there for a few years. So, do you think that it's true? Like, I still think there are options for people to go play JUCO. Do you still think that's a really, you know, good option for someone in a position?

SPEAKER_02 16:45

I think it absolutely is, yeah. Because like you look at coaches, like I'm gonna be a six-year. Like, coaches want older players, they want players that have more experience, or girls or boys who have more experience who have played in games, played in those competitions that are outside of high school. So if you go JUCO, you're gonna get two seasons of competition under your belt where you're playing, you're playing good competition, like especially in Florida Juco baseball. It's real, it's really good. Guys get drafted out here all the time. So um, you're gonna get that experience, and then you're going in and you might have a chance to make some NIL money if you're lucky enough. But yeah, it's it basically is it's an extension of the portal. That's how I view it. Junior college. It's basically an extension of the portal. Obviously, the division one competition is is is much better, top to bottom. So they value that more. But um, it's a great way. I mean, a lot of people move on from it.

SPEAKER_00 17:30

Yeah, I also think it's a great way now that with the transfer, people said, just like you just said, are recruiting later. They're going and finding like older um athletes to take out of the portal. So, as high school students, there's a little less opportunities for some scholarship positions. So JUCO creates a stepping stone for you to get there now. Yeah, which is really cool.

SPEAKER_02 17:50

And the other thing is like, I mean, my family values education. Like, that's always like everyone in my family, we're lucky. My brother, my sister, and myself, we all have a bachelor's degree and we all have a master's degree now. And that wouldn't have like for me, that probably wouldn't have happened unless I went to college. If I would have got drafted at high school, like I have no clue if I would have gone back to school to finish my degree. So, like going JUCO, people think it set you back. It really doesn't. Like me, I went three years at JUCO, so my credits were hard to transfer into some schools because three years of I wouldn't recommend three years of community college. Like your credits can be one. But two years, you're good. You get an associate's degree and you'll transfer into a D1, then you just write out your bachelor's and you're done. You know what I mean? So it's not a setback, you know, it's not a setback. It's really just to help your athletic performance and mature there a little bit, and you're getting a degree at the at the same time. So it's a game.

SPEAKER_00 18:37

Yeah, there you go. Well, and then also you got, like you just mentioned, you got a professional offer at one point and then decided to change. But and instead, after JUCO, you went to ASU. So, how did you adapt to the D1 level on and off the field and jump into that new competition, that new environment? After you were like, I don't want to go pro, instead, I want to go here and keep getting my education because that's important to you.

SPEAKER_02 19:02

Yeah, I think uh for me, I just it was a free agent deal at the time and it was it was a nice chunk of money, but I was still 20 years old. I was only two years through college. I had just finished my associate's degree, so like I still needed my bachelor's, and I was just like, I was a little bit, I was like, man, I don't know. Like it just didn't feel like that feeling.

SPEAKER_01 19:21

Yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_02 19:22

Like I could take it and be released from baseball in two years, and then what? You know what I mean? Like, who knows where to go where I can go back to college, and it's more of a um clear path, like a little bit more um the traditional way, and I still had the opportunity to move on. But yeah, when I went to Arizona State, it was a tough adjustment going from the JUCO to D1 stuff. There was way more structure, way more uh team workouts. You're at the field a lot more like all day. I mean, it's just it's more of a it's more of a grind, I would say. I'm excited for my next step at Penn State to get more used to that and get another crack at D1 because now I know what to expect. But uh, I give a lot of credit to the people that can make a jump from JUCO or D2, D3 up to D1 and crush it right away because you can look at my numbers, like I didn't crush it right away and I didn't crush it at Arizona State. So like it's a challenge. It was a challenge for me, and adversity hits, you get injured, all this stuff, and it's hard. So you just gotta battle.

SPEAKER_00 20:13

Yeah. I mean, I mean, you still did a great job jumping to ASU. And not only that, it led you to eventually get into a new environment and go to Tampa, right? So then how did you again? Most people are thinking, like, okay, I'm going here, then this is where I'm saying, like, you've you have shown like consistency of this isn't an end-all be-all. There's always an option, there's always a way to pivot and like figure out a way to do what you love while also creating value to yourself for your future and like staying true to really what you want to do. You just sound to you have a good head on your shoulders and good advice. So then that pivot to Tampa, where you had a pivotal home run, you had a national title. How did you mentally prepare for that switch going from D1 to there?

SPEAKER_02 20:55

Yeah. I mean, it was crazy because I went from three years of a small school you go, and then I finally get to like what would be deemed the top power for Division I baseball, right? Like a nice school, beautiful weather, like all that stuff, packed out crowd. We played in uh the Pac-12, so that was cool. Played schools like Stanford, UCLA. You're familiar with all that. So it was a it was a cool jump. And then I found out at the end of the year that the NCA was not gonna allow me to go stay at the division one level. So they were like, you can go division two or you can go division three or NAI.

SPEAKER_00 21:23

I didn't know about this. Yeah, that's what I didn't know. That's what happened. We talk about that a bit.

SPEAKER_02 21:27

Yeah, it was crazy. So, like, I would have stayed at the division one level. Uh, I would have loved to, I would have loved to and and you know, uh ride out that way. But the NCA, it was weird at the time, because of my 2021 season at junior college, they didn't recognize that as like an extra year of eligibility at the division one level, if that makes sense. So by the time I when I was with you at Arizona State and all you guys, like when I graduated there, they deemed me as a senior. While division two, division three, and NAI schools deemed me as a junior when I was at Arizona State. So it was weird. I entered the Portal, and there's like really only one level I wanted to go play at, and it was at Tampa. They're the best division two in the country. The coaching staff's unbelievable. They we just went back-to-back national championships. They just win. Like it's just it's it basically feels like a division one program. So I'm I got really lucky to get a play there, but that's why I had to go. I had to go down to D2, and now I get to go back up to D one because of a crazy court roll.

SPEAKER_00 22:23

It's fascinating. I didn't, I didn't realize about the court really. I knew you loved Tampa and I knew you know that was somewhere you wanted to go. But wow, that's really fascinating. You're navigating all of that because I think a lot of people coming into college right now, they're navigating so many legal changes. So much is changing left and right, week by week. It was just in a meeting this morning, and the athletic director at ASU was like, Yeah, did you get the updates from last week or probably already behind? Like, you know, there's there's constantly just legal changes. Um, so then when you got to Tampa, how did you adapt there? Have leadership with like navigating teammates and friendships because you were a pivot. I mean, you had the home run, you were helped to the national title. So, like, how did you navigate that?

SPEAKER_02 23:03

Yeah, they do a great job here. I I give a ton of credit to the head coach Doerso, like he's the best baseball coach I've ever played for. He knows the game really well. Like, and he creates a family atmosphere. So as soon as you get here, you feel like you're a part of a family. And it took a little bit of time for the team itself to buy in and be like, all right, let's like lock in here and let's go win a national championship and like take care of business. But from an infrastructure like standpoint, the program is is good. Like this, there's they they like they know what they're doing, you know what I mean? It's set up like if they went D1 tomorrow, they'd be ready to go. So that's I knew I was getting that, and everyone had talked highly about the program. So it was actually an easy transition. But uh, there was a bunch of kids in my exact situation that were coming down from D one. There were probably, I think there were like 10 or 12 of us that left their own school, maybe even more than that, and had to go division two. And everyone in the in the portal that had to go D2 was like, I want to go to Tampa. So that's crazy.

SPEAKER_00 23:58

So as an I sorry to cut you up off, but as an athlete, how did you stand out with so many top recruits coming in? And how did you stand out when you got to ASU or when you got to Tampa?

SPEAKER_02 24:07

Yeah, we were deep. We were just a deep team, and that was kind of cool. It almost felt like a super team, but then at the same time, you still got to put your cleats on and take the bat and the ball to the field and like actually go play the game. So just because our roster was loaded, it wasn't like guaranteed that we were gonna win at all. Everyone expected us to, but we still had to go do it. And uh yeah, it was it was it was a challenge, but just like anybody else and just like yourself, you want to compete and like you want to be on the best team. So it was actually the first time in my like life I would say like I feel like I was on a team that was like, man, like this team is just different than others. You know what I mean? Like we step on the field of already the best team on the field. So that was kind of a fun aspect of it for me.

SPEAKER_00 24:43

Can I ask you what the mindset, because you played out the JUCO mindset, you then went to ASU D1, which was like a very unique experience. And then with this team, how what would you say were the three like differences in those mindsets that you experienced with like yourself or with the team?

SPEAKER_02 24:58

All definitely different. I think you learn to meet new faces and to adjust to different personalities. And I think the thing I've learned the most seeing JUCO D2, and then power four baseball is like each locker room is different, you know what I mean? Like the way guys talk to each other or the get the way guys treat each other, or like the team events, that's the biggest difference. It goes more on your own power four level. You're around everybody so much, you're probably sick of them by the end of the day. You know what I mean? At the D level, it was just like it was like you're on a it was crazy. It was like we were a family, like literally, you're a part of the family, and um win something here, they talk about it like you win a national championship here, which is the standard, you'll get remembered forever. Like you're a Spartan for life, and that's the goal. And like he told us day one of practice last fall. He said, Look, like had a lot of great players come through here. If I'm gonna be honest, like the only ones I really remember the ones that win a national championship. And that's not like a diss, it's just like an expectation. So it was kind of cool. It was actually a really cool experience. I'm kind of really glad I got to go to the division two level and experience the whole Tampa scene.

SPEAKER_00 25:58

Yeah, that's amazing. Another question, just on of it, like with this path, you've experienced different mindsets, you've really had to navigate different relationships and communication skills with all of this. But have you ever had a moment, which I know every athlete has, where you just almost gave up and you were like, I think I'm done. Not even before we hit, not even before Penn and this opportunity, just before that, where I'm like, I'm quitting, I'm done. And what pushed you to keep going?

SPEAKER_02 26:23

Yeah, I would say, um, I know we talked about it a little bit, but definitely that time when I went back to junior college after turning down the pro deal, it was kind of just like rock bottom for me. I was like, I was just, it was just hard. You know, I was like, man, I had a great opportunity. Um, did I mess everything up? You know what I mean? Like, I'm back into junior college, like I shouldn't really be here again. Like, what did I do? You know what I mean? Just those thoughts. And I think everyone goes through them. You start to feel sorry for yourself and make a bunch of excuses. And I remember that fall, like I did not play well, like at all in that fall season, in that fall baseball season. And, you know, the real season's obviously in the spring. So that winter, I had to really lock it in mentally and spiritually. That's where I took the biggest step forward. I would say it helped me so much. Is like I was in a place where I didn't want to be exactly, you know what I mean? I wanted to be back at the division one level, but it was adversity that clearly God put on my plate that I needed to handle. So I was like, I'm gonna make the most of this and I'm gonna go have the best season of my life and lock in. And whatever happens after that, uh, I'll ride it out. And luckily to this point, you know, I leaned on that and it's worked, but it was hard. It was definitely hard. Sure, everyone goes through it.

SPEAKER_00 27:26

Yeah, I mean, that's beautiful, and you've ultimately built up resilience over your journey, overcoming setbacks. So, what is your number one like kind of piece of advice for resilience that you've built mentally, just like through yourself to believe in yourself?

SPEAKER_02 27:39

Yeah, I'd say the mindset is so like it's so important. Like you can go do all the workouts and like crush all the protein shakes and eat clean and all that stuff. But at the end of the day, like if you don't really, really believe in yourself as an athlete, like you know how it is. There's a real thing called the anxiety, and like where you just feel like and it'll eat you up in some of these mental games like baseball. And it happened to be at Arizona State, like it's never gonna leave. It'll probably happen to me again at Penn State, like it happened to me at Tampa. Like, how you get over though is what makes like what I've noticed the best players. Like, you've got to bring it every single day. Like you've you've got to remember the reason, like what's your why, like why you're doing it. And then on top of it, for me, it was just like the gratitude aspect. Like, instead of complaining, like, oh, the coach is being hard on me, or oh, like it's so hot. Like, you just gotta think like why you're doing it. You're like, man, I I'm doing this because I love it. Like, I signed up for this, like, I love this. Like, I was, you know, someone gave me this advice when I was, when I say rock bottom, they told me during that time, they're like, just be your 12-year-old self, like be the same kid that was playing little league baseball, like loving the game, like crushing a snow cone after the game. Like, go play the entire season like that mentally, and you'll be free. And I think that's that's the best advice I could give.

SPEAKER_00 28:47

I completely agree. I think so many people get worked up on like sports psychology and you know, look into the sky and do this. It's like ultimately, you just have to be having fun and look, be able to look ahead and realize I'm going to be done one day. You know, now being in a position where I'm done, I look back and I'm like, why did I get so worked up over that? Like one little day, you know, that one practice that did not matter. And like that's easier to look back on, obviously, but that having fun with your sport is such a key part of all of this. I completely agree. And is that what really like that is that the main strategy that helped you bounce back from tough games? Like, talk about with ASU, how it's kind of hard here and what you went through. Like, was that what helped you get through that injury?

SPEAKER_02 29:27

Yeah, it was hard because like the first two weeks, I'm starting playing second base, like hit in five hole, like doing great. And then I go down with a concussion and I miss a good four weeks, three to four weeks, and it's right in the heart of Pac-12 play. And like, you know, I'm the new guy, like I'm the transfer, like my spot isn't guaranteed. You know what I mean? Like, every game you go out there, it's it's basically a tryout, like for the next game. Like, you're also like somebody behind you, you know, like there's somebody behind you, they'll they'll write your name out of the lineup real quick and put somebody else in. So yeah, that was the biggest thing for me because at Jukeco, if I had a bad game, I knew I was back in there. Like, that's what kind of yeah uh helped me have a great season because like I just got over it quicker. But you go to division one, and I'm sure everybody that's played division one, unless you're a superstar, they can relate to that. Like you're fighting for your job every day. So you're a number.

SPEAKER_00 30:10

You're a number.

SPEAKER_02 30:12

You are a number, you absolutely are, and like you should be, I guess, in a way. Like some coaches care about you more than others, we know that, but um, you are because you're you're replaceable, so it's kind of on you mentally to be locked in and bring it every day.

SPEAKER_00 30:24

And yeah, there's there's the resources there, but you have to yourself be able to bring yourself out of that through like you have to be able to bounce back through transition. So now moving forward, kind of after going through your history. Well, actually, before we get into Penn State, what was it like winning the NCAA championship? Like, what was that experience? You tell talk a little bit about that because I know that had to have been incredible.

SPEAKER_02 30:45

It was crazy. It was like honestly, it was it was just awesome. We were there for like 10 days. It was just special. Like it's such a it was such a grind to get there because in the regional game, it goes regionals, super regionals, then the NCA championships, and then you got to work through the bracket of the NCAA championships just to get to the World Series. So I don't know, we probably won 14 games in the playoffs, 12 or 14, I guess. I would think, yeah, 10 to 14, maybe I can't exactly remember, but to win it all, we went into the losers bracket in care of North Carolina in the world in the World Series. So to win it all, we had to play four games in two days. So we played a double header on a Friday and a double header on a Saturday. It was crazy.

SPEAKER_00 31:24

I mean, you got to the championship after getting the losers bracket.

SPEAKER_02 31:28

Yep. So we won our first game, then we lost our second game, and we're like, oh boy, it's gonna be a grind. So then we had to come back and beat that team twice, and that's when I hit that that home run when we were down five-two to tie it in the ninth inning. So yeah, it's just what was that like? That was cool. I just it was cool.

SPEAKER_00 31:45

It was what were you thinking walking up to the bat?

SPEAKER_02 31:48

Yeah, walking up there. It was nice because the kid that was pitching the entire game, he was carving, like which means he's just he's just dominating us, you know what I mean? Like, yeah, oh for three going into that last at bat, and I hit lefties really well. So they brought in, I saw a lefty warming up, and I was like, oh, they put this lefty in. Like, I've seen I saw this guy two days before because we had played them, right? And he's good, he throws hard, that has a really good changeup, and I mentally I was just preparing for the abat. Like, that's where like I talked about the mental stuff. Like, I don't have that swing like four years ago, you know what I mean? Like, I don't have that swing with all the games I've played in college because I knew how to prepare for it. Instead of letting like the moment get so big where like I could hear like my grandma, like whoever was in the stands, you know what I mean? Like grandparents, like uh friends, like like whoever's in the stands, like girlfriends yelling at you, like, come on, do it, Kev. Like, look how on your back. And like, what that's you got our voice back there. Yeah, you got a couple voices back there because your season's on the line, you know what I mean? And it's either I hit it through a double play and the season's over, or I hit a three-run home run, and we go on to win the game, and and it's everyone's happy. So it's like you gotta really stay focused in the moment. And I remember I said a prayer right before they had bat. I was like, God, like if you have one more swing left in me, because at the time I thought it was my last game. I was like, if you have one more swing, like I hope you can deliver right here. Like, I was just I had I said a little prayer, took a huge deep breath, and and went in there into the bat with a plan to get a fastball, and uh, he threw me it. And luckily I was just on time. But yeah, it was it was I was not full bat.

SPEAKER_00 33:14

Wow, that's crazy too. I mean, that mindset to think it's your last game ever. I mean, I can relate. I think you remember my our senior year, it was a pack 12 championship. I thought it was my last game ever, and we were like two and two overtime. That's such a to not fall under the pressure at that level with the NCAA championship on the line, that takes a lot of mental work and like ability to stay in that moment right there.

SPEAKER_02 33:36

Yeah, for sure. Cause the the year before I was I was probably the guy always popping up or striking out or making the air at Arizona State. Like I remember, like I had some plays where I was like, man, like I just cost the team the game, probably. You know what I mean? There was definitely a game where I felt like that. Oh, yeah. Every athlete feels it. So, you know, you're always on like it's it's a flip of a coin. And I was just very lucky that one at bat was the time where God delivered me. And like I how it works. It really is.

SPEAKER_00 34:02

That's how it works. So it's where it's that ability to just see through and be like, okay, today was bad. I know the opportunity will come. Because that's the biggest theme in athletics, especially at the high level. The opportunities will come, and you just have to keep preparing. You have my favorite quote: luck is what happens when preparedness meets opportunity. Like, truly, that's what happened. And now you can take all of the knowledge you have at Penn State. So, what does that mean to you? Are you excited for playing back in your hometown? What does it mean to you as both not only a player, but just as a person to be going home?

SPEAKER_02 34:35

Yeah, I'm pumped, honestly. I know my parents are really happy, my family's happy. Like, everyone in my family's gone there except for my brother, my mom, dad. Uh, they both went to Penn State. My sister went there. So, like, it's in our, it's in our blood, you know what I mean? Like being born and raised there and stuff. So, like, it's gonna mean a lot to me for sure. But at the same time, I'm just I'm kind of like looking back when I questioned why my dad and brother told me to go to junior college instead of going to division one out of high school. Like, now it's kind of finally making sense, you know what I mean? Because at the time, I was like, Are you guys sure? Like, why would I give up work? I was like, why would I give up if there wasn't one offer to go to junior college? Like, I know it works for you. Like, talking to my brother, I was like, I know it works for you, but uh, it doesn't have to work for me. So now it's working out, and I'm gonna get to finish it at my hometown school. So I'm pumped.

SPEAKER_00 35:18

It really is true when you look back now to be like, ah, thank God I listened to my parents. Yeah, as much as like as a kid, I hated hearing that. There's been a lot of moments where I'm like, Thank God I listened to my dad in that moment and like didn't quit, especially that was a big one, you know, right? Yeah, it's like yeah, they know best completely. They do. So then what advice would you say, looking back now, would you give to your younger self at each major stage? Like one piece of advice from high school 15, one at JUCA, one ASU, and one to your future self now.

SPEAKER_02 35:51

Okay, I think for me it's been an advantage and a disadvantage. I've been a person that kind of always looks ahead, right? And I think that time at JUCA when I hit the adversity, I couldn't look ahead because I had nothing planned. So that was the only time my life where like each day mattered more than the next day ever could. Because if I didn't take care of that day, like who knows if I was playing baseball the next year? Like I could have had a terrible because my fall was so bad, I could have had a terrible spring, and everyone would just wrote me off and said, This kid lost it. Like he's not a good player anymore. Um so I would say, like, if you can do it at 14 or 15 years old, which is hard, like if you're going to train today, like just focus on that training and crush it. Like, and then the next day, wake up and just dominate that day. I know it's so cliche, but like you can attest to it. Like it goes by so quick. And once you're in college, like the opportunities come and they come really fast. And like you've got to be ready to perform when they come. So you can't really waste days. That's what I kind of learned.

SPEAKER_00 36:43

Yeah, I love that advice. So then what are you most excited about now at Penn State? Like, what's your mindset going into it right now?

SPEAKER_02 36:51

Just the mental aspect. Like, I'm obviously really excited to go play because it all the all the extra stuff that you talked about, hometown, like family, friends, that's all cool. Like, I get to represent the school that I grew up loving. Like, I it's a thing up there, like you bleed blue and white, like yeah, something you choke around and call it a cult. Like, I don't think it is, but um I just it is a real like it is a real university, like I have real and real pride for that place. Um, so I'm excited to represent that. But at the same time, like just all the things I've learned through it mentally, I'm just gonna go take with me to Penn State and enjoy each day and ready to have a good season.

SPEAKER_00 37:25

All right, that's awesome. And then this path must have taken taught you a lot about your identity beyond baseball. We've talked a lot about baseball and your career because you have such a unique journey that can talk to so many different levels. But what have you learned a lot about yourself outside the game?

SPEAKER_02 37:42

That's a good question.

SPEAKER_00 37:43

Uh not to go too far, but you know, I think sport can really teach you so much about yourself. I mean, I look at myself, I look at friends. You come into college thinking, I'm gonna study bio or I'm gonna go do this, I'm gonna go here, and then leave. Next thing you know, it's opposite. And sport gives you so many toolkits. So, like, yeah, what have you learned about yourselves?

SPEAKER_02 38:02

Yeah, for sure. I've learned a ton. Like, I've learned that if you're lucky enough or blessed and blessed enough to be an athlete that you better like really enjoy it because you know it goes so quick. And like a nine to five, I mean, don't take it from me, I'll be a six-year senior, but like a nine to five will always be fine. I mean, like I had a job lined up, I was supposed to start next week, and I'm like, wow, like just like that, my career's over. You know what I mean? Like, I wish I didn't wish it away so fast. So I've learned a ton, obviously, but just that that aspect of life, like it's a short blimp in your life, it's just like a spray and it's gone. So, like, just enjoy it. And my advice myself would just would have just been to slow it down, like really, really slow it down, whatever level it was, because I knew with my faith, like God will take care of all those things for you. And like I always make really believed, you know what I mean? But I didn't like really dive into the word until I hit that that rock bottom point where like I had nobody really turned to because I was like, man, my identity was in baseball. You know what I mean? Like, all I cared about was baseball, baseball, lifting, like, and that that's just it wasn't that that's not a good recipe for success. So I'm glad I found it.

SPEAKER_00 39:06

You need an identity out of your sport, you need an identity outside of your sport. That's like the number one thing that I hear every athlete talk about is like if you don't, it'll consume you and you will in turn probably be worse at your sport.

SPEAKER_02 39:18

Yeah, you really will. And the best players that I've ever played with are free and loose, and a lot of them are believers, and that's not just a trick or a gimme, but like they don't put all their eggs in one basket. And my dad gave me the best advice like whatever it is, volleyball, basketball, baseball, it's just something you do. It's not who you are. And like I really started to understand that when I hit it, and I was like, wow, like this could be over just like that. So I better find something else to lean on and pour some more energy into, or else I'm gonna feel empty probably for a long time.

SPEAKER_00 39:46

So so then, last main question before we get to this next part with parent advice and some rapid fire question is like ultimately, how would you use your personal story full of starts, stops, ups, downs, comebacks, all of that to influence or guide a younger athlete today? Like, what would you say?

SPEAKER_02 40:04

Um, no, it's because every kid's journey is so different. I would just say, like, it's hard for me. I wish I didn't look ahead so far, and I wish I would have like I appreciated every step, but I wish I would have woke up every day and been like, God, like, thank you that I'm here. Like, thank you that I was at IMG. Thank you that I was at junior college. Thanks that you put me at Division II. I don't know what you have planned for me, but I am grateful for it. Like, I think that's the best mindset you can adapt if you're 14, 15, 16 years old going through this recruiting process. Like, if you're getting recruited right now or you're getting calls, like you should be really grateful for that. Even if it's division two, like there are kids all over the country that would want that call. So uh just have an aspect of gratitude for the opportunity to go play college sports. And even if you're not going to play college sports, like you can be a great businessman, whatever it is, astronaut, like not everyone has to play sports. So the gratitude aspect will change your complete outlook on life.

SPEAKER_00 40:58

I completely agree. I remember it was my uh sophomore junior year. I got invited to do something outside of the sport with the Pac-12, and I saw just like these headquarters of like, there's these entire people whose lives revolve around sport and making sure these athletes, these 18-year-old athletes are doing well and getting resources they need. Like, that's something we should be grateful for, even if you don't get like this brand new Nike t-shirt exactly how you want it to be. Like just be excited about the t-shirt, and like it'll bring your whole game up, it'll bring your happiness up, it'll just elevate everything. I love that. That's great advice.

SPEAKER_02 41:31

For sure. For sure. And the other thing, like, if you're lucky enough to get to go play college sports, even if it's at Division One, Power Four, D three, like having that on your resume, I'm sure you can attest to it. Like when I was looking for jobs last year, it helps you so much. Like, people talk about it, but like now I've kind of lived it because I was on LinkedIn, like all that stuff. So, like you get to see, like, people want to connect with athletes. Oh, totally. We have an aspect of our life called work ethic that a lot of other people like just simply don't have. Like, we'll wake up and go get it each day. And um, that's just a huge advantage that you're learning. So, like, it's a life skill um to get to play college sports that we're gonna get to carry with with us for the rest of our life.

SPEAKER_00 42:09

It's that business word I've here I've heard now, grit. Every company is like, what's grit? What's grit? Athletes know grit. It's almost hard me. I'm like the word grit, but um, that's like exactly what it's taught. It's that's great, great advice, especially for long-term success. So then, okay, any anything else before we move to the next section you want to talk about?

SPEAKER_02 42:28

No, no, I think I hit it.

SPEAKER_00 42:30

We hit a lot of stuff. Okay. So then now just a couple of questions for the pay for a parent listening. What did you talk a little bit about recruitment and what it really looked like and navigating it, but like what advice would you have from a parent perspective who's watching their kid navigate it? Like, what do you think can you tell them their kids are actually feeling? And what advice should like would you give them?

SPEAKER_02 42:53

Yeah, I mean, the first thing I'll do with my son is like when he gets that first offer, like he's gonna be beaming with joy. Like it's like the first time somebody else has like really wanted you, you know what I mean? And it's like, it's cool. Like it is. There's no, there's no denying it. And like you're proud of yourself and you're like, oh, all the hard work's paid off, it's over. Um, all that fun stuff. But what I would tell the parent, or what I'll tell myself as a parent, is like let that kid know, like, that's just like don't get lured in by the official visit or like the glitzing glamour. Like, that is not the actual day-to-day when you get there. And it it's just not like what I wish I would have done with the one of my commitments that I messed up is like I got allured in by a visit, the official visit. They threw everything at me. Like, it was sweet. They talked NIL, they talked all this cool stuff, and then you get there and you're like, uh, that's not all there. You know what I mean? So, like, I would tell the parent send your kid to that school. Like, if kid wants to go to Arizona State or he wants to go to whatever temple up in Philadelphia, like have the kid go there and like truly walk around the campus, like put yourself in that shoes and be like, would I want to be here in November and December? Like, would I want to come back here in January after winter break and be happy, like leaving my parents? Like, are you a homebody? Like, do you want to go? All the way across the country. Like those things are real. And you just you're not mature enough. At least I definitely wasn't, clearly, to make that decision at 15 years old or 16 years old. You know, like you just don't know. So as a parent, I think it's it's one of their jobs to say, look, like it's a long year out there. Like it may seem like it goes quick. Like you're young, you're going away from home for the first time. Like, are you gonna be okay if I'm playing right away? I mean, like that's that's real stuff.

SPEAKER_00 44:23

So that's great advice. I remember having many of those conversations with my parents. That's really, really good advice. So then is there anything you wish a parent or high school coach understood a little better about the neck playing at the next level?

SPEAKER_02 44:38

Yeah, I wish I wish the youth coaches today, especially. I don't know if it's an issue with volleyball, but at least travel baseball, they I wish they were just more positive. Like now it's become such a money grab, and like it's just like, how can I make a future? And it's like that's why a lot of kids are going to play for people that like us that used to play in Division I athletics or college athletics, whatever the case may be, because we have a unique perspective. Like, I just think that the goal of a youth athlete should be to get better, like, not what's and enjoy it. Yeah, and enjoy it, exactly. Enjoy it, yes, because travel baseball is run rapid. Like, I remember I played like county baseball, which is like the local teener league, like local, like nobody, no scouts were there watching. I played that for a long time, and then on top of that, I also played travel ball. Like, it doesn't just have to be like travel AAU or bust, like you need to do that scene, but let the kid enjoy it a little bit. And and yeah, he's still young, you know what I mean? That's stuff.

SPEAKER_00 45:30

I love the theory of like the next theory. So instead of when a coach comes to you and is like, hey, you that was a bad hit, instead you go, Hey, next time you hit the ball, do this. Because the kid, you're aware, anyone at any level knows that they missed the goal when they shot. Like, you know, that that's they know when they mess up. So if you focus on next time, do this and give that positive reinforcement. I mean, it can change. Mag it's insane.

SPEAKER_02 45:54

I agree. I agree. Because you're seeing so many kids get burnt out right now, and it's just because these coaches are like, oh, it's NFL or bust, or it's MLB or bust. Like that part of it.

SPEAKER_00 46:03

NIL now.

SPEAKER_02 46:04

Yeah, for sure. Oh, yeah, that's real.

SPEAKER_00 46:07

So so then here are two questions directly. I got from an athlete who is curious. What do you think a coach at the college level during recruitment? What type of player would they look at more? One who's are they focusing more on the skills alone, or do you think they're focusing on the skill with the effort and drive? Like, would they take someone who has a little less skill but more effort, drive, and like team ability versus like that stop tops just skill player?

SPEAKER_02 46:33

Yeah, I think the effort and drive is key because like the skills take over when you get more mature and whatever you get your man muscles or the the girl starts to mature more. Like that's when the skill can like fine-tune itself because of the work ethic was so good. So, like, yeah, but you gotta work, like for sure. You know how it is. Like, you'll have no choice when you get like I saw kids get cut around me, even at JUCO, especially at D1. Like, you don't want to work, you miss a lift, like they'll cut you like that. They don't really care. So, yeah, you better have the work ethic part of it before you have the skill.

SPEAKER_00 47:02

And the last question from this listener is what do you think makes a coach say, I want that person on the team?

SPEAKER_02 47:08

I mean, the eye test really helps, right? Like, that's like the first impression that they see. But then how you can eye test, yeah, like what they see. Like at least Oh, okay. You know, I mean, like physical maturity, like that can really help. Like, if they see you're ready to make a jump at that level, I don't know if it's as big and sure it isn't volleyball. Like, all you girls were worked out hard and were strong.

SPEAKER_00 47:28

Like height, your height matters a lot.

SPEAKER_02 47:30

Yeah, and if you can't control your height, like as a baseball player, whatever, football, basketball, you should be pretty strong. Like, you've got to look the part. So they want that, especially in today's transfer world. Because if you're if you're not cut out for it physically, they're gonna go take someone that's older in the portal and they'll and they'll grab them before you. So that's important.

SPEAKER_00 47:47

Yeah, yeah, I agree. Okay, well, then that's all great advice for parents and coaches listening. So thank you. I think that hopefully they'll take you know, some some what you say there. But now we're gonna go into our personal, our TMI section, which is too much insight, and these are just a rapid fire questions for you to go ahead and just give quick answers and we'll go through them really quickly. Okay, ready?

SPEAKER_01 48:09

Yep.

SPEAKER_00 48:09

All right, one habit you credit most of your surviving through transitions, work epic. Team locker room energizer when things feel heavy.

SPEAKER_02 48:17

Hype music. Okay, certain song, right above it by little Wayne.

SPEAKER_00 48:21

Okay, okay. I remember I was Rock Your Body at one part, was uh for us at ASU. I wonder how um, I wonder why. A book, quote, or mantra that's kept you grounded.

SPEAKER_02 48:32

Be where your feet are, and it's cliche, but be where your feet are.

SPEAKER_00 48:35

Okay, what's your go-to hype song before a game now?

SPEAKER_02 48:38

Oh, we played Skrilla all posted. Okay, all Skrilla.

SPEAKER_00 48:42

I love it, I love it. Early bird or late night can't function till noon.

SPEAKER_02 48:45

Early bird, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 48:46

If you had to pick a walk-up song for life, what would it be?

SPEAKER_02 48:50

I'm not over the song for some reason. Uh, I've been hooked on it for three years. Favorite song, 2C.

SPEAKER_00 48:55

Okay. Dream N I L Collab. Go big here.

SPEAKER_02 48:58

Oh, wow. Uh Viori. I think that'd be cool.

SPEAKER_00 49:01

Okay, okay. What teammate is most likely to go pro in something other than sports, do you think?

SPEAKER_02 49:06

One of my teammates.

SPEAKER_00 49:08

Yeah. Any teammate you've had.

SPEAKER_02 49:10

Jordan Williams. He would go acting. He'd go pro in acting or really. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 49:15

Okay, okay. Um, if you could switch sports for a day, what are you trying?

SPEAKER_02 49:19

Uh, football.

SPEAKER_00 49:20

Okay. And what's one thing in your locker bag that has no business being there?

SPEAKER_02 49:25

Crazy. Toast spreaders. I don't know if people have seen them. Toast spreaders.

SPEAKER_00 49:28

Really? You're a toast spreader?

SPEAKER_02 49:29

Oh, yeah. Okay, okay. All the people in my circle, I've got them hooked on toe spreaders.

SPEAKER_00 49:34

Oh, God. I would love to see that. Okay. Well, and then last and final question for you is what does being committed while you're off duty mean to you?

SPEAKER_02 49:42

Even when nobody's looking, like all those times, like the 6 a.m. workouts, all that stuff. Like, are you all in to get ready, prepare for the games? I think that's what it means for me. Like, you just got to be committed to your craft. And are you eating right? Are you sleeping right? Like the the proof will show. Like, you know what I mean? Those who work hard enough to take care of their business, they're the ones that perform at the end of the day. And those are the winners.

SPEAKER_00 50:04

Amazing. And I know I said last question, but I was wrong. Um, if you have have you received the craziest like DM or NI offer you've ever received, I'd have to look back because I've been recruited a few too many times, I guess.

SPEAKER_02 50:17

But I this summer I got one from a school.

unknown 50:20

Okay.

SPEAKER_02 50:20

That just they messaged me. I don't want to get them in trouble, but they just messaged me and was like, we'll make it rain with NIO money if you have another year. So then I responded, then like I got the eligibility back, whatever. So I responded with the number I wanted, right? And then they were like, Oh, we can't afford that. Sorry. So I was like, wait a second, like you're telling you're telling kids that you'll make it rain with NIO money, and then they're gonna like they'll tell you the price that it would take for them to go. And it wasn't anything crazy. And uh they're like, no, we don't have the money. So I was like, that's crazy.

SPEAKER_00 50:52

That's crazy. That's crazy. That's crazy. Um, all right. Well, I think that is everything. Thank you so much. This was so much fun. Thank you for coming on, sharing your insight. Do you want to go ahead and share your Instagram? Or anyway, if like a kid's watching and want to maybe DM you or like find keep following your journey, go ahead and share that.

SPEAKER_02 51:12

Yeah, my Instagram is K underscore Carsitter. Uh K-A-R-S-T-E-T-T-E-R is the last name. And then my X would be KPK34. I don't go on X much, but more of an Instagram user.

SPEAKER_00 51:26

Yeah, me too. Me too. Well, thank you so much. It was one, just like so good to see you again as a friend and catch up. I mean, I learned a lot more about your journey that is very impressive. I had no idea about. So, congratulations and good luck. We'll all be following along for the season at that state. I'm so excited for you. Thank you.

SPEAKER_02 51:43

Thank you. I appreciate it. Thanks for having me on.

SPEAKER_00 51:46

Thank you. Bye.