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?

Shipley: When I was looking for a college to continue my baseball career at I was looking for somewhere I was wanted. A place that felt like home and a place where I could continue to grow as a player. 

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

Shipley: I always wanted to stay in the area so my family was able to watch me play and also continue playing for the community I grew up in.  

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

Shipley: The recruiting process definitely heated up for me after the PBR Future Games. After the event I was able to talk to multiple coaches. That is also where SLU saw me and that’s when we started to build a relationship. 

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

Shipley: The thing that made me want to commit to SLU was definitely the great coaching staff there - they all want to win and that’s what I’m all about. They’re also growing as a program and upgrading a lot of things which I’m super excited for. Finally the amazing education there was definitely a big factor as well. 

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

Shipley: I was in talks with Wichita State, Murray State, Lindenwood, and Louisiana Monroe 

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

Shipley: I would say going up against 1B Brett Norfleet (Francis Howell, 2023; Mizzou) in practice at Howell made me a better player. He is 6-foot-7 and has a huge advantage being able to hit anything you throw at him and also having the power to take anything deep. 

PBR: 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?

Shipley: I would say my sophomore year after being on varsity and after the Future Games I was able to compete with the best in the state in Missouri then compete with some of the best players in the nation at the Future Games. 

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

Shipley: Push yourself to work as hard as possible in the weight room and also on the field if you give it your all it’ll be hard for someone to stop you. 

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

Shipley: I would say the two state runs we had at Howell being close with all the guys on your team and achieving such amazing things together there’s nothing better than that. 

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

Shipley: Our team is reloading very well. Our pitching staff is filled with top arm talents, many who are Division I caliber, and we are bringing back many players who were a big part of the state run. Our goal as a team is to get back to state and finish the job once and for all. 

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