FARMINGTON, Ct. - A college coaching change proved to be just right for Austin Bohlman.

The eighth-rated 2022 first baseman in New England had previously talked with Adam Chase, who at the time was recruiting coordinator at Franklin Pierce University, but Chase took a new position at Marist as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the New England area..

“When he got the Marist job he talked to my summer coach and asked where I was going to college and he told him I was uncommitted,” Bohlman reflected.

That sparked interest on both sides.

“I immediately did research and academically it’s one of the best I looked at,” Bohlman related. “The coaching staff was connected with the players and all the coaching staff had a great background. Coach Chase was really connected with the players. He talked to me about what it’s like there and what they had to offer. It was the best school for me.”

Covid issues had caused some recruiting problems up to that point in time according to the 95th-rated New England senior.

“With Covid going on it was a little tough for recruiting,” Bohlman explained. “I went to a PBR in March and talked with UConn and Dayton but rosters were filled up, so I planned to do a fifth year with Avon Old Farms.”

Elon and Rollins were other schools that were on the radar for the 6-0 180-pound left-hander, but in the end it was Marist that proved to be right.

“They like that I was a lefty-lefty able to play multiple positions and I can run,” noted Bohlman, an outfielder in addition to first baseman. “They mainly like how I play in the left-handed box and am able to pull the ball and also drive it the other way. They see me as an all-around player that can steal bases, hit and do everything.”

A visit to the college located in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., two hours from home, sealed the deal for the 18-year-old.

“It’s one of the best campuses I’ve ever seen, right on the Hudson River,” Bohlman related. “The MAAC, in general, just has great competition with a lot of guys drafted. A Marist pitcher just got drafted. There are a lot of athletic guys with a wide range of recruits from all over. It’s the best spot for me as a player and person.”

Playing at the next level became a strong desire for Bohlman in the eighth grade.

“College coaches were coming to games and asking about me,” Bohlman explained.”We had really talented kids on my 14U team and I was around kids that wanted to play.”

But a setback came not far after that season.

“Sophomore year I had surgery on my shoulder, but I persevered and stayed with it,” Bohlman said. “After that surgery I really had to work to show myself.”

Through hard work, improvement came in a big way

“With Avon I was doing a lifting and throwing program but I didn’t realize until this year how important eating and stretching was … the little things to get better than the other person,”Bohlman explained. “You have to do something every day.

“I’ve gotten significantly faster,” continued Bohlman. “I’m stronger at hitting balls and my numbers for infield and outfield throws have skyrocketed, all from doing the small things and creating a system that works for me. I’ve done live at-bats against guys from Avon that are in the pros, putting myself around guys that are 100 percent committed to put me in position to help get to where I want to be. It’s really made a difference.”

A 3.5 student in his four years at Farmington High School, Bohlman has a 3.3 GPA at Avon Old Farms as he considers a college major with business and cyber security programs of interest for an 18-year-old delight to know where his future in college lies.

“It’s been long and I’m 100 percent relieved,” admitted Bohlman. “I was late to the recruiting process and I’m glad it’s over. Now I’m looking forward to being part of a program, every day putting in the time to become something special while also hoping to make an influence at the school itself trying to be a people person.”

Bohlman is more than confident he can be a huge asset to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference baseball program.

“After this post grad year I’ll come in older,” Bohlman concluded. “I want to be a game-changer for the team being 19 and almost 20 as a freshman. I want to prove to the coaches and the players there you can do anything, even as a freshman. I believe I can make an impact while being a team player.”