PBR: Why did you choose the school you did?

Ponzo: I’ve known about South Mountain’s reputation for a while and about their history of having great players come out of there. Their coaching staff was very welcoming and it had a family atmosphere I really liked along with championships so I knew it was the place for me.  

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Ponzo: Colorado Christian University, Cal State San Bernardino, Yavapai, Central, and Scottsdale.  

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

Ponzo: This past summer I pitched against Desert Oasis from Las Vegas and Coach Turk from South Mountain was there and saw me throw. Soon after I started talking to the coaches every couple days and Coach Turk took me on a visit where they gave me an offer. Our relationship continued to develop and I knew he along with the other coaches would help develop me as a pitcher.  

PBR: Do you feel relieved now that the process is over and you can just focus on baseball and not deal with everything that goes into picking a school?

Ponzo: It is amazing knowing that I have a great opportunity next year to play the sport I love around some amazing players and coaches, but I don’t feel the process is over. I am working harder than ever to prepare for next year and it is a grind, but I love it.  

PBR: Was there one deciding factor that put your choice over the top?

Ponzo: The reputation South Mountain has was why I really wanted to go there, the coaches are amazing and really know the game. I know that they will help me get to the next level and the baseball atmosphere was great there.  

PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today?

Ponzo: My parents have helped the most by far. My dad and I still go out and throw every day so I am just blessed to have them here to help me fulfill my dreams. All my coaches at Hamilton have been a great help along with Coach Rex who is my T-Rex coach. My pitching coach Matt Wise has really gotten me to the next level.  
 
PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it easy/difficult?

Ponzo: My recruiting process was harder than I expected it to be. I wasn’t getting a lot of looks as a sophomore or even a junior really and then Scottsdale gave me an opportunity to play at the next level and soon after others did as well and that’s when it got kind of hard making a decision. It was hard deciding if I wanted to go the Juco route or not, but I am blessed South Mountain gave me this opportunity.  

PBR: What plans does the coaching staff have in store for you in your freshman season?

Ponzo: I want to earn a starting role next year and get a lot of innings in as a freshman and help South Mountain win a championship.  

PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?

Ponzo: It would definitely be winning the state championship last year with Hamilton. The family atmosphere we had as a team was amazing, it was great winning with my brothers.

PBR: Who is the best player that you have competed against?

Ponzo: Austin Wells is probably the best hitter I have faced, but all of my T-Rex guys are the real deal.

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