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Q&A with Evansville Commit SS Zach Reeder (SM Northwest, 2017)

February 5, 2016

Shon Plack
Kansas Scouting Director

Zach Reeder (Shawnee Mission Northwest, 2017) a 5-foot-9 170-pound right hand hitting utility player has committed to Evansville. Reeder was a member of the Cougars, who made an appearance in the Kansas 6A state championship game and 19-5 record last May. 

Has good hands to receive the ball in the outfield and infield. In the outfield uses his feet to get in a good position to field and throw, good clean exchanges with a top positional velo of 83 mph.In the infield, moves well and can get to the ball quickly, stays down on the ball and fields it in front, makes good strong and accurate throws and is a strong runner posting a 6.91 60/yd. Is slightly crouched with a open stance during BP and is short and quick to the ball with a good bat path with some loft and a 84 mph exit velo. 

Here is a look inside the recruitment of Zach Reeder.

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

Reeder: I didn’t expect the process to start so early.   The Midwest Black Sox, my summer team, was helpful in preparing me for the process.  They made sure I looked at all the options I had.  They worked hard to reach out to the schools I was interested in and help me in the process.

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

Reeder: No, location was not a factor for me.   

PBR: Where did Evansville first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Reeder: I attended a number of camps and showcases, including PBR events, to get seen by coaches.  This was a key for me and my Midwest Black Sox coaches followed up with additional information and videos to those schools interested.  I was invited to take an unofficial visit to Evansville to meet the coaches and current players.  The coaching staff and players made me feel very comfortable.    

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

Reeder: Kansas State commit, Will Brennan

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

Reeder: Keep pursuing your dream.  You are going to face adversity and you have to fight through it and keep getting better every day.  Study hard in school-it makes a difference.

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

Reeder: One of the keys for me has been PSP3.  They design a workout based on your weaknesses to make you better in every aspect of the game.  They were key in developing my speed and explosiveness.   What sets them apart from similar organizations is their emphasis on the importance of flexibility.  Nate Hemphill has gone above and beyond to prepare me to perform at my best.

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

Reeder: Without a doubt the most memorable moment for me was being on the SMNW team and advancing to the state championship with my brother.   It meant a lot to share that experience with him.

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

Reeder: When I walked on the campus I knew it was a good fit.  Academically, they have a good sports communication program.  The baseball team felt like a family .  By far, the key factor for me is that I will be able to play college ball with my brother.  That has always been a dream of mine. 

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

Reeder: Arkansas and Nebraska

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?

Reeder: It really started to heat up during November of 2015.  I have attended a number of camps and showcases, including PBR events.  All of these were beneficial in getting seen by coaches. 

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel SM Northwest will be? What are your expectations and goals? Name some player that will play a key role for SM Northwest in 2016.

Reeder: We are building off a great season from last year after advancing to the state championship.  We lost some key players but have some great young players ready to step up.  I expect us to have a good season and try to get back to State because we have some unfinished business to settle.  I am excited to see Jared Marolf on the mound this year.  He has worked really hard during this off season and has put on a lot of muscle.  Our team chemistry is going to be a key to our success this year.  Some key players that will play a role in our season this year are Garrett Stephens, Joe Todd, Dylan Dirks, Matt Drummond, Clayton Hale and Alex Towler.  The support from our head coach Domenic Mussat and AD Angelo Giacalone has been tremendous.  The support from these people and the student body will be a catalyst for our success in 2016.

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

Reeder: I have played with the Midwest Black Sox for the last 3 years.   They have been key in my development on and off the field. 

My most memorable experience was playing in the outfield with my brother Nate for his last Black Sox game.  To join him and Kyle Klomfahs was really special.  They both have pushed me everyday to work hard.  They set the bar high for everyone around them.

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