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Q&A With Middle Tennessee State Commit OF Shane Connahan

December 22, 2013

By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

Shane ConnahanShane Connahan (Midd-West HS) announced his verbal commitment to Middle Tennessee State University this week ending months of searching for the right college fit. The 6-foot, 175-pound outfielder became the 11th member of the 2012 Team Pennsylvania roster from the PBR Midwest Future Games to make a commitment.

Connahan has been named a Heartland Conference All-Star each of the past three years and is ranked No. 124 in the PA Class of 2014. He has shown well at a number of PBR events. Most recently, the future Blue Raider went 2-for-7 with a double and an infield single during game play at the PA Top Prospect Games in June. Connahan showcased his 6.90 foot speed in legging out the infield single.

Prep Baseball Report spoke to Connahan about his college decision and the process that led to his final decision.

PBR:  Where have you decided to attend college and why did you make this choice?

I have decided to attend Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.  I chose this school because it is a Division 1 school and they play in a very competitive conference. I really liked the school when I visited and the field was really nice! The weather was also a big factor in my decision.

PBR:  What other schools were you considering?

Connahan: I also had an offer from St John’s University.  I was also considering several junior colleges and the IMG Academy in Florida.

PBR:  Was distance from home a factor in your decision?

Connahan: Distance was not a factor in my decision because I have always wanted to play baseball in the south.

PBR:  Where did the coaches first see you?  How did your relationship develop with their coaching staff?

Connahan: The coaches saw me through a video and really liked me. My relationship developed with the coaches last summer when I visited the school and talked to Coach McGuire. I have to give all the credit to Carmen Fusco for helping me get into this school. Coach Fusco was Director of Professional Scouting for the Seattle Mariners and the New York Mets. I have been working with him at his training facility in New Cumberland, PA. He believed in my abilities and helped me build my relationship with Coach McGuire. Carmen Fusco used to coach at MTSU and he recommended me to Coach McGuire. 

PBR:  What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?

Connahan: The coaches want me to come in and compete right away. They really like my versatility and believe that I will help the team that way. They want to use me where the team needs help the most.

PBR:  What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that will help your team?

Connahan: My biggest strength as a player is my work ethic. I work 100% all the time and try to improve my skills on a daily basis. I believe my work ethic will help my team work harder and I believe that I will be a positive influence on them.

PBR:  Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most memorable experience from this past summer?

Connahan: This summer I played for the 17u B2B Bombers. My most memorable experience from this summer was making new friends with all the players on the team and having a great time playing baseball with them all summer.   

PBR:  What is your current GPA?

Connahan: My current GPA is a 3.90.

PBR:  Now that you have your commitment out of the way, what are your goals both individually and for the team going into your senior season?

Connahan: My goal for myself is to improve my skills as much as I can before I go down to MTSU in the fall. My goal for my team is to help us have a record over .500 and make it to districts back-to-back years.

PBR: How did Prep Baseball Report aid you in gaining exposure as a potential college baseball recruit?

Connahan: Prep Baseball Report helped me gain a lot of exposure. The Mid-West Future Games in Illinois was one of the best things I have ever done. It was the best competition in baseball that I ever played. PBR also helped me become a B2B Bomber. Playing for the Bombers gave me memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

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