ATHAN KROLL (DALLAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY COMMIT)

Athan Kroll RHP / Valor Christian , CO / 2024 As a junior last spring, Kroll helped lead his 5A Valor Christian baseball program to a state championship while playing a major factor both offensively and on the mound throughout the season. Kroll is a high-end athlete that comes with plenty of upside on the mound. Kroll's 6'4'' frame has already produced a fastball up to 94 mph during his 2023 spring campaign, and he should only continue to develop. The Dallas Baptist commit also has quality spin (2500 RPMs) on both his fastball and off-speed to add to his already sky-high ceiling.

OUR Q&A:

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Kroll: I was looking for a college program that developed my character on and off the baseball field, and also a D1 program that pushed me to be a better player through my skill development. 

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

Kroll: No it did not play a huge factor but I always knew I wanted to play baseball in the south. I have always loved Dallas so early on when I got my offer I said yes immediately. 

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

Kroll: The recruiting process really started to heat up my sophomore year. I was starting to get some offers from big SEC schools and had a tough decision to make. The first time DBU saw me was when they watched my videos on my PBR profile and they asked me to come out for a camp. 

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

Kroll: I chose DBU because they are one of the only Christian D1 programs in the nation. I chose them because I know they are going to make me a better player on and off the field. I also chose them because they are quite often a winning program. 

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

Kroll: Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, TCU, Notre Dame 

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

Kroll: I would say that Trey-Gregory Alford is the best player I have faced. His velocity is unbelievable and his off speed is just as good. He’s a great competitor and has a chance to go really really far in baseball.

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?

Kroll: My freshman year at a PBR showcase I hit 85 MPH. At that moment I realized that I could be a college player if I put on some weight and started working hard. 

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

Kroll: The best quote I have heard from baseball is “So what, now what?” which is a reminder that whatever happened in the past is out of your control and you have to move on to the next pitch and focus on what you can control. 

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

Kroll: My most memorable moment is when we won the 5A State Championship last year. 

PBR: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

Kroll: I think we have a good chance to go really far this season. We have a very young team but a very good pitching staff. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE	STATE	DATE	LOCATION
Northern Colorado Preseason ID	CO	02/04	The Sports Stable - Boulder, CO
Colorado Springs Preseason ID	CO	02/11	The Farm Sports
Denver Preseason ID	CO	02/18	Marucci Clubhouse

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