By Doug Hall
Tennessee Director of Scouting

A few weeks ago, Knoxville Catholic senior catcher Kole Cottam committed to continue his education and baseball career at the University of Kentucky.  We recently caught up with the talented catcher to discuss his commitment.

PBR:  What was it about Kentucky that made it feel like the right fit for you? 

Cottam:  It felt right because it is a winning SEC program, and the coaches do an excellent job developing players.  The facilities are second to none, and I also liked the campus and city.  The coaches are great and have a very good reputation.  I went to see them play a game earlier in the spring, and the atmosphere in the stadium was exciting.  Seeing many good players go through their system made me want to be a part of their program.  It felt like the right place for me.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Cottam: I was considering offers from Memphis and Western Kentucky. 

PBR:  Where did the coaching staff first see you compete?

Cottam:  They saw me play in a couple high school games last spring.  After high school baseball, Coach Bohannon came to several summer ball tournaments.

PBR: What role does Coach Henderson expect you to play during your first year on campus?

Cottam:  I need to get bigger and stronger and I am going to prepare myself as much as I can, so I will be ready to do whatever is asked of me.  I will help the team in any way I can.  

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

Cottam:  My parents have always had a big impact on me as a baseball player on and off the field. Having both played college sports, they have always supported me, and my dad and I always work together either on the field or in the cages.  All of my coaches from summer ball and high school have helped me in many ways to become a better baseball player. 

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience playing summer ball?

Cottam:  I have played for the Team Elite Roadrunners out of Alpharetta, GA the past two summers.    A couple great experiences was going to Oklahoma for Team Tennessee and living with all of my teammates during the summer in Georgia.  Having been a part of the Roadrunner organization and family is the best summer ball experience I have had. 

PBR: What are your goals for your upcoming senior season? 

Cottam:  My goals are to help my team get back to Murfreesboro to win a state championship and be All-State.

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

Cottam:  Patrick Raby  

PBR: Who was the toughest pitcher you have caught in Tennessee?

Cottam:  Donny Everett