RHP Alex Vander Loop (Kimberly, 2024; Wisconsin-Milwaukee commit) was one of the biggest winners of 2023 after showing off some major improvements throughout a number looks. Starting in the winter at the Madison Preseason ID, Vander Loop showed off these gains, where he ran his intriguing fastball up to 87.4 mph, while showing feel for a sharp breaking ball and a deceptive changeup. Then in the spring, Vander Loop was a key piece for our Preseason Power 25 No. 1 team, the Kimberly Papermakers. Over a couple of looks in the spring, Vander Loop’s stuff continued to tick up, hitting new highs of 89 mph, and both of his offspeed pitches continued to show as out-pitches, too. After firmly marking himself as an intriguing uncommitted junior during the spring, Vander Loop did more of the same across the summer circuit, including a standout performance at July’s Top Prospect Games, where he put together a dominant outing against some of the state’s top uncommitted talent. Then following his standout summer, Vander Loop announced his commitment to Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Wisconsin's lone Division-1 baseball team.

(Top Prospect Games; 7/11/23)

We talked with Vander Loop about what his recruitment process was like, who he thinks is the next up-and-coming player is from his high school, and much more.

OUR Q&A

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Vander Loop: I knew that the recruiting process would be hectic and stressful, but I went into it knowing that I would acknowledge every opportunity that was presented to me and find a program where I could see myself spending the next four years of my life. I was looking for a program that would help me grow as a player, reach any goals I have set for myself, and develop relationships with people that will last me a lifetime. I am very thankful I had my parents and many great coaches to help guide me along the way.

P: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

V: Overall, location and distance did play a pretty big factor in my decision. I knew I wanted to stay in the Midwest because of its proximity to my family where they will easily be able to make trips to watch me play. UW-Milwaukee is the only Division 1 baseball program in the state, so it was no question for me to look further into their program. My decision was ultimately an easy one once my tour of the campus went well, the coaches were great, and my academics lined up with the school.

P: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

V: For me, the recruiting process really started to heat up at the end of my junior year of high school and into my 17u summer of baseball. I received my first offer during the high school season before getting more during the summer circuit. I took quite a few visits and talked to coaches from all levels of college baseball before I made any contact with the coaches at UW-Milwaukee. The first time the UWM coaches saw me pitch was during the Top Prospect Games at The Rock in July and I didn't talk to them in person until the middle of August.

P: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

V: The thing that I like the most about the program at UW-Milwaukee is that everyone there is one big family. From the coaches to the players they are all interconnected. Coach Bigler gave me a tour of the campus on my visit and we talked about baseball, the program, and even my own mechanics. I was told by many people that I needed to have a good relationship with my college pitching coach and I know that Coach Bigler is as good as it gets. I could also tell that Coach Wegner is excited to lead the next chapter of Panthers baseball and I am excited to be a part of it. The biggest key factors for me were the coaching staff, the feel on campus, the location, and the business program at school.

P: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

V: I didn't really have a short list of schools before I made my final decision, but I was looking at a group of Division 2 schools in Minnesota along with some small Division 1 schools within the Midwest. I had interest and offers from many great schools at all levels with amazing coaches, but UW-Milwaukee was the best fit for me.

P: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

V: One of the best players I faced in the state last year was INF CJ Trask (2024; Bradley commit) from Oak Creek. We played them in a non-conference game during the high school season. I also faced him during the Top Prospect Games at The Rock. He is an aggressive hitter who looks to attack fastballs in the zone and doesn't chase breaking balls out of the zone. He doesn't miss mistake pitches and will make you pay if you don't hit your spots and utilize your secondary pitches.

P: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

V: I would say around age 14-15 or between 8th grade and freshman year is when I realized I could be a college-caliber player. I knew I had a strong arm, loved to pitch, and was great at controlling the running game, but I began to notice that I needed to become a "pitcher" to make it to the college level. Starting during my freshman year of high school I began to work on developing my secondary pitches and shaping them into what I wanted them to be while also getting in the weight room to grow stronger and put on velocity. Ever since then I have been very fortunate to talk to and work with many coaches along the way that have helped me take my game to the next level. I wouldn't be where I am now without the help of my coaches and my dad who have given many hours of their time to improve me as a baseball player and overall competitor.

P: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

V: The biggest piece of advice I can give to young baseball players who are trying to play college baseball is to focus on your own development and not the people around you. It will be incredibly beneficial to you to invest more time in your own development in the weight room and on the field as opposed to complaining about someone else getting more attention or publicity than you. Also, if you aren't getting the attention you want in the recruiting process, it is important to keep doing things the right way and working your hardest because your opportunity will come at some point and you need to be ready for it when it does.

P: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

V: The most memorable moment for me so far is getting the chance to pitch in the Sectional semi-final last year at Pulaski High School. The adrenaline I felt while going in to pitch that game was unlike anything I had felt before and it was awesome to see a huge crowd there to support us. I had control of all my pitches and my arm felt amazing. I had total confidence and I felt like nobody could touch me. We didn't achieve our desired outcome as a team but the emotion of the moment reminded me of why I love the game of baseball and to appreciate every moment I have to compete. It was hard to watch the seniors cope with the loss and it made me want to come back stronger the following year.

P: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

V: My high school team will be set up to have another great season this year. We will have a very deep and talented pitching staff that might even be deeper than our team from last year. We lost a lot of talented seniors from last season, but we have a talented junior class and some returning seniors that will be able to fill the holes left by them. As always, our coaching staff is incredible and when we come together and grow as a team, we will be as tough as anyone in the state to beat.

P: If you could steal any tool or quality from another player in the state, what would it be and who would it be from?

V: If I could steal a tool or quality from someone else in the state it would have to be the curveball that my teammate RHP Sawyer Deering (Kimberly, 2025; Tennessee commit) throws. He utilizes it so well and has a ton of confidence in throwing it during any count. He gets incredible spin on the ball that makes it dive hard and at the last second. Personally, I would love to add his pitch to my repertoire if given the chance.

P: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?

V: The next talented young player who is still uncommitted will be SS/RHP Connor Olson (Kimberly, 2025). He comes from a baseball family where he grew up to learn the ins-and-outs of the game at a higher level than most players. He is confident and cool under pressure where he isn't afraid of anything that can be thrown at him during a game. He has a great glove, quick transitions in the infield, and a strong bat that will translate to the next level. He is also talented on the mound where he fills up the strike zone with multiple pitches and can compete with any team out there.

P: Did Prep Baseball assist in your recruiting? Whether it be through a showcase, tournament coverage, tweets, etc? If yes, please explain.

V: Prep Baseball Wisconsin helped my recruiting process through showcases that allowed me to put my name on the map and also gain video to send to coaches. Their coverage of these showcases and also tournaments with posts helped me gain interest from coaches that allowed my recruiting process to take off. The write-ups, video, and metrics all played a part in my ability to get recruited. The PBR staff has always been great to me and I appreciate everything they have done to help me.

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