Tue November 1, 2016
By Phil Wade
Indiana Executive Director
Terre Haute North SS Tony Smodilla recently committed to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH.
PBR: Why did you choose Case Western Reserve? What were some key factors in making your decision?
Tony: I chose Case Western because of their prestigious Biomedical Engineering and Pre-Med programs. The biggest factor in my decision was an overnight visit. I was able to get to know all of the players and coaches while learning more about the school.
PBR: Where did they first see you compete?
Tony: They first saw me in a recruiting video I sent to them. Then I attended a showcase at Case Western where they actually saw me play in person for the first time.
PBR: What other schools were you considering?
Tony: I was considering Johns Hopkins University, Washington University in St. Louis, and Rose Hulman Institute of Technology.
PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?
Tony: My recruiting process was what I expected it to be from talking to other players I know that have committed. It was an easy experience due to a lot of help from my summer coach.
PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue you baseball career?
Tony: I was looking for a program where I would be competing for a starting spot as a freshman. I always wanted to be a part of a team that had a chance every year to go deep into the postseason.
PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?
Tony: Before this fall I had been in touch with a few schools, but it wasn't until this fall that I began getting steady calls and offers.
PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and become serious about taking your game to the next level?
Tony: It was something I always knew I could achieve if I worked hard enough for it. I attended college showcases all 4 years in high school, but really began going after schools my junior and senior year.
PBR: Who is the best player you've faced in Indiana, and why?
Tony: Skylar Szynski, he pitched against me in the 2015 4A state finals and led Penn to a state championship.
PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
Tony: Be proactive in getting in front of schools that you are truly interested in. Also look for a program where you would enjoy spending your years in college with that team and those coaches.
PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?
Tony: In the 2015 A 4state finals, I had a diving play to save a run that stopped what could have been a big inning.
PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?
Tony: Our team will be starting some inexperienced players so I expect we will start off slow, but I believe we have the potential to be a competitive team this year. The goal as always is to get back to Victory Field.
PBR: Where do you play in the summer? What has been your most memorable experience with them?
Tony: In the summer I play for the Indiana Havoc. My most memorable experience is a game at Taylor University where my team and I combined for 7 home runs.
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