Commitment Q&A with Jacksonville State Signee Cole Kreisel

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?

Kreisel: I had always wanted to hold my self to the highest level possible so my goal was to reach the highest level possible within my physical abilities. My main goal was to find a place that felt like home. I wanted to connect with coaches that shared the main core values that I hold. I wanted to go somewhere that will push me to my limit to bring out my best abilities to get an opportunity to get on the field.

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

Kreisel: Definitely not. Although, if I went far away for college I wanted to go South to warm weather just as I will be at Jacksonville State. I think it will be a great opportunity to get out of my shell and find new avenues in life as I will be 11 hours away from home in Warrensburg, MO.

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

Kreisel: January of 2023 when I joined the Adidas A's organization led by Nick Herrin. He does an astounding job of finding schools to play in front of but not just any college but one's that he believes will best fit the athlete he possesses. Coach Bieser and his staff has been in contact with Nick throughout the summer but I felt I really captured their attention in Hoover, AL in early July.

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

Kreisel: I love the feel of the campus at Jacksonville State as it is a very laid back small town just as it is here in Warrensburg. The facilities are beautiful as I believe they are better than many power five schools. I felt I connected with the coaches since the first time I met them as I will be spending the bulk of my time with them. Lastly, it is warm weather and cannot wait to be in warm weather most of the year as winters get tough here in Warrensburg. 

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

Kreisel: University of South Carolina- Upstate, UCM, many other schools from all levels

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

Kreisel: Drew Dickerson (Lee's Summit West, 2024; Oklahoma signee) as he holds the most raw ability I have ever seen from a player. He has the most juice with the bat I have ever seen. I saw him in Georgia this summer and he hit a nuke into the trees at East Cobb. He also is very humble despite all the hype and attention he possess.  

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?

Kreisel: I had always had aspirations to play Division One baseball and it came to fruition my eight grade year at the junior future games when I felt I could compete and find success at the highest level of the travel baseball circuit. A couple people I was very tightly connected with spoke truth around my freshmen year and said I was far from the Division One level and this gave me realization and inspiration that it takes the ultimate discipline and work ethic to achieve my goals of the division one level. Here I am today and could not be more blessed that The Lord gave the abilities I have and has given me a great opportunity at Jacksonville State.

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

Kreisel: Gain faith with Jesus and turn every negative circumstance into a positive outcome with hard work and discipline. 

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

Kreisel: My visit at Jacksonville State as I knew from the time I stepped on campus that it felt like home. 

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

Kreisel: We open up the season against a very tough opponent in Ray-Pec as they will give us a good gauge as to how we will be. I feel our lineup may be strong but we have 90 innings to fill on the mound which will be tough to do.  

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