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Andrew Novetsky, 3B, UD-Jesuit, Class of 2015 

PBR: Why did you choose Kalamazoo?

Novetsky: I chose Kalamazoo College for its rigorous academics, the programs and study abroad opportunities it provides, as well as the fact that I like the direction in which the baseball program is going. Kalamazoo has the players and coaches alike that have the drive and work-ethic to be a championship-caliber program.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Novetsky: Some of the top schools that I was also considering were Macalester College (MN), Hood College (MD), and Albion College (MI).

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

Novetsky: I believe it was Coach Farnquist that first saw me at an EMU prospect camp last December. Soon after I took my first visit where I met with Coach Ott and Coach VanAlten. I continued communication with Coach Ott and received an offer from him last spring and I finally committed last month following my overnight visit.

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

Novetsky: In a meeting I had with Coach Ott, he expects me to work hard in order push the older players to work hard as well, and possibly compete for a starting spot.

PBR: What summer team do you play on and how has travel baseball helped your development as a player?

Novetsky: I have played for the Michigan Red Sox since 10U. To put it simply, travel baseball is essential in the process of developing as a ball player especially for those aspiring to play at the next level. It has provided me with some of the best competition in the nation and exposed me to countless colleges and universities.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

Novetsky: My dad has had the biggest impact on me as a ball player as well as helping me develop mental toughness. Day in and day out he has been my biggest supporter and also my biggest critic, simply because he wants me to perform at the highest level possible. I also could not go without mentioning a long time coach and friend of mine Jerry Brown. In fact he and my dad went to high school together. Everything I know today about being an aggressive ball player in all aspects of the game, I can attribute to Coach Brown. While we may not have always agreed on all baseball philosophies, I could always count on him to have an informed baseball discussion, regardless if we agreed or not. It is safe to say that I would not be the ball player I am today without my dad and Coach Brown. In addition, they have also had some of the biggest influences on me being the man I am today.

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher that you have faced in Michigan?

Novetsky: Undoubtedly the best pitcher I've faced in Michigan is Karl Kauffmann of Brother Rice. He can light up the gun with his mid to upper 80s fastball and keeps his hitters off balance with his polished off-speed pitches. I look forward to playing against him this upcoming spring.