Shane Smith, RHP, Elder HS, Class of 2015

PBR: Why did you choose Miami?

Smith: I chose Miami because of the coaching staff. I grew a great relationship with Coach Hayden, Coach Davis and Coach Ison, and I could really see myself playing for them for the next 4 years of my baseball career.  Also, Miami has some of the greatest facilities to offer, including the Legacy Project that is being worked on currently. I also loved Miami's campus, it's a great college town with a lot to offer. Finally, Miami's education is one of the best in Ohio and they are right up my alley for what I want to study.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Smith: I was considering Indianapolis, Xavier and Sinclair. 

PBR: Coach Hayden was name the new Head Coach at Miami this summer.  How does it feel to be a part of his first recruiting class?

Smith: It feels great and I'm very excited to be a part of his first recruiting class. Coach Hayden has a great coaching staff behind him and I believe with this recruiting class we can and will do big things.

PBR: Now that you have your commitment out of the way, what are your goals both individually and for the team going into your senior season?

Smith: My individual goals for myself are to continue to get bigger and stronger so I can be an elite pitcher in the GCL this spring and try to repeat as conference player of the year. As for team goals, I want us to repeat as GCL champs and win a state championship. 

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was the most memorable experience from this summer?

Smith: This past summer I played for the Ohio Elite for Chris Valentine. The most memorable experience was meeting some of the best players in Ohio and making great friendships with them.

PBR:  What person has the great impact on your baseball career and why?

Smith: My dad. He's the one that introduced me to the game of baseball, and he would constantly take me to his softball games every week where I would work on throwing and hitting ever since I was a little kid. He is also the one that has helped me become a better person on and off the field teaching me many life lessons, and he's been by my side through this whole recruiting process. 

PBR: What were your stats this spring season at Elder?

Smith: 7-1, 50 innings, 0.56 ERA, and 46 strikeouts. 

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter that you have faced in Ohio?

Smith: The toughest hitter that I have faced would be my old summer teammate, Riley Mahan.