Prep Baseball Report

Q and A with 2013 Western Carolina Commit: Matt Smith (Fredericktown HS)



Matt Smith, OF/LHP, Fredericktown HS, Class of 2013

PBR: Why did you choose Western Carolina?

Smith: I chose Western Carolina because it's in the SoCon and the level of baseball competition they are playing is very high.  I also felt like the coaches were very good and they were going to be able to give me the best shot at the next level. I felt at home at the school because it's a small community just like the one I'm from and they all support the baseball team. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Smith: Dayton, EKU, OU, Akron, OSU, and CMU 

PBR: Where did the WCU coaches first see you?  How did your relationship develop with them?

Smith: They first saw me at the PBR Top Prospects Games, they emailed me right after and said they wanted me at their school and we continued to stay in contact and they made me feel like I was very important to their program and would help them a lot. 

PBR:  Was distance from home a factor in your decision?

Smith: Yes it was a factor, but my parents and family said they'd be able to make it to the weekend games, it's not too far.  

PBR:  You recently attended PBR’s Top Prospect Showcase.  How did that help you in the recruiting process?

Smith: It helped me a tremendous amount because that's where the Western Carolina coaches saw me first.

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?

Smith: They want me to be able to come out of the bullpen for an inning or two and they want me to battle for a position in the outfield.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? 

Smith: I didn't really know what to expect about the process I'm the first person in my immediate family to go to college so I just wanted to sit back and see what would happen and enjoy it.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

Smith: The first person that had the biggest impact on me was my dad he was always there trying to take me to my games and always pushing me to get the best out of me and be the best person I could be. Second person as much as I hate to say this (jokingly) is Chris Valentine. He is pretty much my second father and has helped me through baseball and life so much. He gave me a chance to be on a great OEB team and showcase my talents and help get my name out there to colleges. I appreciate everything these two have done for me and couldn't thank them enough.

PBR: What were your stats this spring season at Fredrickstown?

Smith: All-Ohio outfielder, 529 average, 39 rbi’s, 32 stolen bases and 9 saves.

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher that you have faced in Ohio?

Smith: Zach Cook