By Rob Allison
Prep Baseball Report Minnesota

Jeff Athey, 3B/1B, Eden Prairie, Class of 2016

PBR: Why did you choose the school you did?

ATHEY: I chose the University of Nebraska because of the coaches, academic support, facilities, and fan support. I just felt like it was a perfect fit for me.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

ATHEY: I had offers from the University of Minnesota and Flagler College and was being recruited by Stanford, Indiana, Ole Miss, Arizona, and Arizona State.

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

ATHEY: Coach Silva first saw me in a showcase at HitDawg Academy in Minnesota. After that they had me come down to a stars camp there in Lincoln. The next time I went back was on an official visit and that’s where I got the offer. Since then I have just been texting the coaches and making our relationship stronger and stronger.

PBR: Do you feel relieved now that the process is over and you can just focus on baseball and not deal with everything that goes into picking a school?

ATHEY: It is nice knowing that I have a path for my future. I can now focus on getting better and just play the game that I love.

PBR: Was there one deciding factor that put your choice over the top?

ATHEY: It was a combination of having a great relationship with the coaches, the great academic support, really good campus, exciting game day atmosphere, impressive facilities and a great fan base.

PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today?

ATHEY: My entire family, I mean I am blessed to have so many people in my life that love and care about me. Growing up with my brother Brian we were always competing in everything we did. Pushing each other so we would get better either in sports or in the classroom. My parents were always there for me from the time when I couldn’t tie my own cleats till now when I am committing to Nebraska. Then my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins are constantly giving me advice and guiding me down the right path. My coaches, teachers and friends have had a huge impact on who I am today. They have always been there for me and I am just so grateful to have those people in my life.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it easy/difficult?

ATHEY: For me the recruiting process was fairly easy but I know from seeing teammates and friends that the process can be hard.

PBR: What plans does the coaching staff have in store for you in your freshman season?

ATHEY: My freshman year I am coming in as a third baseman but I am also capable to switching back to 1st if that’s what the team needs.

PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?

ATHEY: My most memorable moment was definitely getting the opportunity to play on Target Field for the state championship.

PBR: Who is the toughest player that you have competed against? 

ATHEY: Sam Hentges is probably the toughest player I have went up against. It was a privilege playing him in the state championship just because he’s doing something that many ball players can only dream of doing, being a pitcher in the Cleveland Indians organization.