Q and A with Siena Heights Commit Zach Smith (North Olmstead)

PBR: Why did you choose Siena Heights?
Smith: It's a good fit, I really hit it off with Coach Kolasinski and Coach Mouch. I should be able to come in an be a productive part of the team right away. Having great coaches and the chance to play right away was very important to me and was a big part of my decision. The scholarship was nice also!

PBR: What other schools were you considering?
Smith: To be honest, I was contacted by about a dozen schools, but I found Siena Heights so early, I wasn't really considering any other schools.

PBR:  What were your expectations for recruiting going into your senior season?
Smith: I did not know what to expect my senior year. I broke my arm while pitching at a showcase camp during my Sophomore year, then I had to go through a surgery where I had two screws put into my elbow. Between the surgery and the rehabilitation, I was out of baseball for about a year. I missed my Sophomore year school and summer baseball programs. When I came back my junior school year I started off slow to make sure my elbow was completely healed. I knew I had the skill and the talent to play college baseball, but I didn't have any real high school exposure and I was worried about that. Thanks to Coach Abrahamowicz and Coach Mezlak from the Oberlin College Baseball Program and to the North Coast Vipers Organization, I was put in contact with Siena Heights University, and the rest is history.

PBR:  Where did the coaching staff first see you compete?
Smith: They first saw me from the website (www.zacharyrobertsmith.info) my dad, uncle and I put together to get my name out there to potential college scouts and coaches. I was then asked to go to the college for a private workout and that's when I started to feel it was a great fit for me and they felt the same way.

PBR: What role does the coaching staff expect you to play during your first year on campus?
Smith: They expect me to come in and be a productive part of their pitching staff. Through hard work I hope I can earn a starting pitcher position, but if I came in from the bullpen, that's ok as long as I can help the team.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that will help SHU?
Smith: I have a tremendous work ethic and I am a natural leader. So between my hard work and leadership, I hope to help Siena Heights be the best they can be.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?
Smith: Without a doubt that person is my dad. He coached me for years and has spent endless hours practicing with me. My dad and I even built a pitcher's mound in our backyard and we practice as much as we can. He is my catcher and he jokes about all the bruises I gave him over the years trying new techniques and pitches, but without him I wouldn't be the pitcher I am today.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience playing summer ball?
Smith:I play for the North Coast Vipers and they are a great organization. I enjoy going to out of town tournaments to see all the talent that is out there.

PBR: What were your stats last season for North Olmstead?
Smith: They don't keep statistics.

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter you have faced in Ohio?
Smith: I have faced many tough hitters, I just enjoy the challenge!