Q&A With UW-Whitewater Commit Nathan Grzybowski

October 17, 2014

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Supervisor – Wisconsin/Illinois

When the Division III National Champions coming knocking on your door to play baseball for them, it’s kind of hard to say no, and UW-Whitewater proved to be the perfect fit for West Allis Hale’s shortstop Nathan Grzybowski. Grzybowski is a left-handed hitting shortstop with excellent actions and should fit in right away with the Warhawks.

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

Grzybowski: I really tried to be realistic with my expectations going into the process. I knew it was going to be difficult and it was, but once I had picked out which schools I had interest in both academically and athletically, it became just a matter of contacting the coaches and seeing which ones I could garner Nathan Grzybowski interest from. The process can become strenuous at times but in the end when you realize that all the work you put in paid off and that you accomplished your goal, there is no better feeling.

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Grzybowski: I was looking for a school that could compete at a high level and have a chance to advance far in the playoffs. Along with that, I looked for a program that had a strong coaching staff that really cared about the players that go through their program.

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

Grzybowski: Yes, I originally was interested in schools outside of the state but then realized it would be difficult for my parents to come watch me play. I wanted to find a school not too far away, but far enough, and Whitewater was the perfect fit.

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?

Grzybowski: After the Wisconsin Showcase at the Rock in June I started receiving letters from coaches. I was also fortunate enough to play travel ball this past summer with STiKS Academy and gained some attention from schools as well.

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

Grzybowski: I attended a camp at Whitewater last Thanksgiving and told them I was interested in attending, but things really picked up once I began talking about my goal to my assistant coach for my travel team who was a former player at Whitewater. He helped me start connecting with the coaching staff and from there it took off and they began recruiting me.

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

Grzybowski: My intended major is business and Whitewater has one of the best business programs in the country so that was very appealing to me. Also distance was a key factor, like I said earlier, I wanted my parents to be able to come to my games but I also wanted to be far enough away and Whitewater was in the perfect location for that.

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

Grzybowski: UW-Lacrosse, Cornell College, Carroll University, Hamline University, and McHenry County Community College.

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Grzybowski: Attending college and playing baseball has been a goal of mine since just before high school started. Once I was fortunate enough to earn a spot on a travel team last winter, I became very serious and determined. I respect high school baseball very much but the coaching I got from STiKS really helped me get to the next level.

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

Grzybowski: Don’t get discouraged during the process. There will be times where things may not go your way but never quit pursuing your goals. Also don’t rush the process, when the time comes you will know it’s right. Just because you see guys around you committing doesn’t mean you should rush your decision. Realize that this is a huge life choice and it will greatly affect your future and rushing it could cost you big time in the long run.

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

Grzybowski: Being able to say I achieved my goal of committing to a college to play baseball. For me, Whitewater is the perfect fit, and I could not be happier with the decision I made.

Q&A With UW-Whitewater Commit Nathan Grzybowski

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