C/1B Will Plattner (Glenwood) had a monstrous year this past IHSA season, earning Third Team All-State honors after recording a .525 batting average with four home runs and only four strikeouts in 61 at-bats. Plattner’s impressive play quickly put his name on the map for college coaches, eventually landing with one of the most renowned junior colleges in the country, Wabash Valley. 

We recently had the opportunity to discuss the recruiting process with Plattner, what led him to his decision and several other intriguing topics. 

Latest Scouting Report

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? 

Will: My expectations were really close to what ended up happening. After covid hit and all of the eligibility rules were decided, I began weighing in more to the junior college route. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to go to a 4 year, but I was not going to take less than I know I’m worth because of roster size, money etc. When Wabash Valley rings you, it is an opportunity that you can’t turn down. 

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

W: Not at all, Wabash is nationally known for sending kids all over the country, and that’s exactly what I’m looking for. I’m ready to get my name into the national scene. 

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

W: It started happening around 16 with 4 year schools, then this spring and summer it really took a leap, because schools could get back out and watch recruits play. Wabash saw me during my school season. 

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

W: The best part to me about Wabash is the staff. Rob Fournier has been at Wabash for a good part of his life and his assistants are outstanding. The coaching staff, development, and the connections they have were the biggest factors for me. 

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

W: I had offers to Illinois, Air Force, and Parkland before that. A lot of big schools like South Carolina, Kentucky, and Ole Miss were also in contact with me, but I was ready to make a choice and Wabash gave me what I needed. 

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

W: Sam Antonacci is for sure the best player I’ve faced. He’s a tough out, and he isn’t afraid to do the dirty work to get his team ahead. He slows the game down. 

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? 

W: I realized this after last winter. I had always been “good” but last winter I put my head down and worked my tail off in the weight room and in the cage and gained 15 pounds and fixed some mechanical things in my swing. That catapulted me into my success. 

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

W: Do not ever think that you have done enough. Even when you commit, that means now you have to work harder because you need to get that starting job. 

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

W: I hit a walkoff homerun in the state tournament in 8th grade. That was the most surreal moment of my life.  

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

W: We have almost our full roster coming back, and we are HUNGRY. Everyone has been in the weight room and putting in work getting ready to put on a show this spring. How do I feel we will be? We will be state champs. 

Related Content