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

Slavens: I didn’t really know what to expect.  I just started taking it in as colleges showed interest and wanted me to call them.  I didn’t expect the process to move as quickly as it did once it started, but also realized that is how it is happening with a lot of players.  As the process moved along with Wichita State they set the bar really high so when I looked at other schools it made it an easier choice for me.

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

Slavens: It played into it a little bit, but it didn’t sway me away from other colleges.

PBR: Describe your experience at the PBR Future Games.

Slavens: The PBR Futures Games was an awesome experience to be able to compete against and see other talented players.  There was a ton of exposure and it was well put together.  I had a great time playing there.

PBR: Where did Wichita State first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?
 
Slavens: Wichita State first saw me in Oklahoma City early in the summer.  After that tournament my coach asked me to call them and from the first conversation I was really impressed and loved the coaches.  After the initial conversation I toured the facility and campus and called to check-in with the coaches every week until I decided to commit.


PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Slavens: The best player I faced in my state was probably Zeb Vermillion because he was throwing low 90s with a sharp breaking ball that made him tough to hit off of.

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

Slavens: You have to be willing to make the hard work a priority and be determined to give your all at every practice and work out.  Set goals for yourself and work hard to achieve them, both on the field and in school. You can always get better and the work you put in will determine how your future shakes out.

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

Slavens: During the offseason I do baseball specific workouts at Kansas City Strength & Conditioning. I also hit a few times a week all winter long to improve my swing at Premier Baseball.

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

Slaves: The most memorable moment was probably Sub-state and State in the spring.  The atmosphere of those games was hype.  We fell a little short of our goal in state, but playing with the amount of passion our high school team had was amazing.  It’s our goal to get back again this year.

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


Slavens:I liked Wichita State because of the coaching staff and baseball history they have. The coaches are really amazing guys who are straight forward and are dedicated to helping you become a better player. Also, the fact that they are now in the American Athletic Conference plays a big factor because the conference is really good at baseball and they will be playing some really good teams.

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

Slavens: Arkansas, Missouri State, Missouri, Illinois, K-State

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?

It started to heat up at the beginning of the summer in Oklahoma.   My coach contacted a number of schools who started to come watch me play and it stayed pretty busy all summer.  Then the Futures Games was crazy and even took being seen to even another level

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Slavens: After a great season last year I believe that our team will once again be a good team. We lost some great senior leaders, but still have a lot of returning guys that contributed last year. My expectations are high for the upcoming season and our goal is to make it back to state and see what happens from there!

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

I play with KC Elite 18u for Rod Myers.  He has helped tremendously with my recruiting and was the one who got Wichita State to come see me play first.