BYRON CENTER - A summer living in the south helped pay dividends in the college recruitment of Jackson Steensma. Now the Byron Center senior will have an opportunity to play southern baseball.

“My parents made a big sacrifice staying with me in Georgia all summer,” Steensma said. “That helped me get recruited along with playing for East Cobb. Chris Frey, the coach, spent countless hours helping me and my teammates find a home.”

For the 11th-rated 2022 right-handed pitcher in Michigan, that home will be at Appalachian State.

“They saw me pitch a shutout when I pitched in Jupiter, that’s when everything started,” Steensma reflected. “I had a couple of calls with the head coach and we set up a visit. They ended up offering and I accepted on the visit.”

Morehead State was second on the list for Steensma, who also had interest from a number of schools in Michigan as well as Brown University.

“I really liked the community,” Steensma said of what stood out about the visit to Appalachian State. “It’s a small town and the campus is right in town. I really liked that.”

There was more that helped the 17-year-old decide on the Sun Belt Conference school.

“Two-way was a pretty big part of my recruitment,” noted Steensman. “I turned down some schools that only recruited me as a pitcher or that gave PO offers.

“I know there are some big difficulties trying to do it, but I think I can make it work. I just like the opportunity of having more options at the next level. I want to try both sides and see which way I perform better.”

Appalachian State sees strong possibilities with what the switch-hitting Steensman can provide.

“I’m going to play first base and DH so we’ll see how it works out,” the 6-4 230-pounder said. “Pitching wise, they like that I have a good fastball-changeup combo that works really well.”

Recent improvement has been vital to becoming a Division I commit.

“Lifting weights is probably the biggest thing,” Steensma explained. “You don’t realize how much it helps until you actually do it. I feel so much stronger and feel way more athletic. I also feel quicker on the bases.”

There is more Steensma is doing to help on the field.

“On the mound, I’m using my legs more,” Steensma noted. “At bat, I’m swinging harder and hitting it farther.”

The desire to play in college has been around for some time.

“Since I was a little kid I’ve dreamed of playing at a really high level of baseball,” the 31st-ranked junior in the state related. “Division I has always been something on my mind but, to be honest, I wasn’t really at a Division I level.”

That is, until a year ago.

“My goals were still the same, I just saw that I had to work harder,” Steensma explained. “Seeing a bunch of others at my age more advanced physically and mentally, I just knew I had to work harder.”

Assistance also proved beneficial.

“This past summer I played for East Cobb and played at Lake Point a lot,” Steensma said. “A lot of coaches were there to watch me. PBR helped with that in giving me an opportunity to be seen.”

Biology or chemistry are potential majors for the 3.8 student, who believes he can be a huge asset to the school located in Boone, N.C.

“On the field, I see myself being part of helping a team win the Sun Belt and making it to the tournament,” Steensma said. “Off the field, I’ll be a positive influence on others, helping my teammates and other students achieve their goals.”

There is more Steensma is anticipating when it comes to college.

“Making new friends for sure,” Steensma said of what he is looking forward to at Appalachian State. “Finding the right group of people makes college go easier. It can make it some of the best years of your life.”

To have a future home decided, admittedly, brings a sense of relief.

“We felt a lot of pressure trying to get everywhere to be seen,” Steensma concluded. “It’s a big sigh of relief to not have to worry about talking to more coaches, playing well, sending emails and not knowing where you’re going to go.”