Commitment Q&A with Austin Peay Signee Mason Pangborn

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?

Pangborn: My expectations for the process of getting recruited was really just exposure. I got to play in multiple tournaments over the summer that helped put eyes on me. Having the options of multiple college programs was cool. I looked for good atmospheres, coaches, and programs. The most important thing for me was the coaching staff and the relationship I was able to build with each coach. 

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

Pangborn: The distance and location was a small factor for me. Having my family be a part of my journey was very important for me and when they convinced me that they would always be apart of it even if they weren’t close I knew I had the freedom of choosing from many locations. Austin Peay State University lands in Tennessee, which is a spot that I am looking forward to taking my college experience to.  

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

Pangborn: The recruitment for me started freshman year. It really heated up at the end of my sophomore year season getting in contact with a couple of college programs. After I decommitted from Wichita State we landed in Lakepoint and APSU saw me play down there. 

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

Pangborn: I really enjoy the relationship I have with the coaches as well as the culture they have there. The players there have a great relationship with each other as well as the coaches. The coaches also made my official visit feel like I was ready to get down there as soon as possible. They have a strong mindset about winning and competing everytime they are on the field. 

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

Pangborn: Wichita State.

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

Pangborn: Anson Seibert (Blue Valley Southwest, 2024; Tennessee signee) is probably the toughest opponent I have faced in the state because I see him a lot. It’s cool I get to play with him but when I go up against him it’s always competitive. His velocity with his fastball and movement with his slider is tough to go against.

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?

Pangborn: I have wanted to play at the next level since around seventh grade. I really started to take things serious freshman year and began the grind. I knew I was “college-caliber” once I started to compete at a high level and coaches started to contact me. 

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

Pangborn: Having a negative mindset will never bring positive results. Just know that everyday you don’t put in work someone is. 

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

Pangborn: Two of my most memorable moments of my career were winning the 5A State Championship my sophomore year and hitting a walk off single against Blue Valley North.

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

Pangborn: I see Blue Valley Southwest being competitive this year. Although we lost a good amount of seniors last year we have guys that love the game and are competitive. I’m looking forward to making a run for another state title.

RELATED CONTENT