The future Patriot at Dallas Baptist University (DBU) sat down with the PBR Colorado staff and talked about his recruitment process and how he connected with the coaches at DBU. Athan then explains his visit to DBU and why he choose DBU over other schools that gave him offers.

The right-handed pitching prospect goes into his experiences playing baseball in Colorado and with PBR. He also talks about what he found beneficial with PBR.

 

I am excited to announce my commitment to Dallas Baptist University! Thanks to Coach Heefner and Coach Posey for this opportunity. Go Patriots! @DBU_Baseball @govalorbaseball @TeamCOBraves @pbrcolorado @Rogue_Baseball pic.twitter.com/fomSyleSRd

— Athan Kroll (@AthanKroll) December 2, 2021

 

Q&A with Athan Kroll

Q: What was the recruiting trail like for you? How did you get on the college coaches radars?

Kroll: I started talking to college coaches after my PBR Valor High School showcase, during my freshman high school season in 2021. After that showcase, I started getting interest from colleges and my high school coach at Valor, Keith Wahl, helped me connect with coaches.  I am so grateful for all the ways Coach Wahl helped me during my recruiting process. 

 Q: You are committed to Dallas Baptist University, how did you connect with them and what was it like talking to their staff? Did you visit, and if so how was that?

Kroll: My brother, Graham, plays basketball at DBU and he was the first to tell me about the baseball program there. After doing some research, I learned that they were not only a top 15 Division I program, but they also had transformational Christian coaches who poured into their athletes. After hearing how good it was, they became one of my top schools of interest. Around the same time they showed interest in me and Coach Wahl connected me with them. They asked me to start calling their pitching coach (Micah Posey) every week. After about a month I realized that it was my dream school. In November, they invited me out to their pitching camp and it was there that I threw 91 mph. It was an amazing experience and something that I will never forget. A week later they offered me. After weighing all the variables of what I wanted in a school and a baseball program, I made the decision to commit to DBU. 

Q: What made you choose Dallas Baptist University over other schools that gave you offers?

Kroll: I chose DBU over other schools because it was the best fit for me. I truly believe DBU is one of the best transformational D1 baseball programs in the nation. Not only do they develop you as a player but as a whole person. They also have a great reputation for helping their players get to the MLB. In addition, DBU has a beautiful campus and their baseball field is awesome.  Finally, and most importantly, they provide a great education and I know that when my baseball career is over, I will have a degree that will help me accomplish my goals in life outside of sports.

Q: Now that you have finished your recruitment process, do you have any advise for young 25’s or even ‘26s who have just started this process?

Kroll: My advice is don't be stressed or worried about the recruiting process because it will take away from one of the things you can control and that is getting better. Take it one day at a time so you don't get overwhelmed by it. When you play in front of schools, be confident and have a great attitude and bring great effort because those things are within your control. Schools and coaches are also going to look for how you treat your teammates. Be a great teammate; trust the process and enjoy it!

Q: In regards to PBR, what have you found to be the most beneficial?

Kroll: I think the most beneficial thing that PBR has done for me is getting me exposure to college coaches with stats and video. People trust and believe the metrics that PBR produces. They also do a great job of marketing athletes on their social media platform and it has really helped me in my recruiting process. 

Q: Lastly, out of all the PBR events you have attended in your career, what has PBR meant to you during your time playing baseball in Colorado?

Kroll: PBR has done a great job of not only helping me but many other kids in the recruiting process here in Colorado. They have helped me by sending videos and stats, PBR has done a great job of providing exposure to many colleges. I am so grateful for PBR and everything they have done for me and I am excited to see what the future holds.

RELATED CONTENT

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE	STATE	DATE	LOCATION
Denver Rising Stars ID	CO	04/18	Slammers Facility - Englewood, CO
Colorado Springs/Pueblo Rising Stars ID	CO	05/09	The Farm - Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Dugout Club Scout Day	CO	06/07	Horizon High School
PBR Junior Future Games	NATIONAL	07/26	LakePoint