Q&A with UW-Whitewater Commit Trevor Hogenson

December 3, 2015

By Matt Huck
Area Scout

2016 catcher Trevor Hogenson of Saint Mary Central recently committed to UW-Whitewater. Hogenson recently rose up the class of 2016 rankings, checking in at No. 50, after a standout performance at the Unsigned Senior Games in September. Here is a report on him from the event.

Trevor Hogenson 9/20/15 - Hogenson stood out at the Unsigned Senior Games as one of the top all-around backstops. He showed an advanced ability to receive the baseball with a presence behind the plate that can control a ballgame. A compact build at 5-foot-8, 180-pounds he has a sturdy setup behind the plate. Defensively plays with soft hands, fluid footwork and an overall athletic defender. Arm action is short, over the top and accurate on the bag showing some carry (74 mph). Pop times ranged 2.11-2.14. Offensively hits from an open stance with a slight leg kick stride. Spray type hitter, level path with bat speed. 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. Hogenson’s all-around skill set makes him an attractive option at the next level.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Hogenson: I had a few friends that had been through the recruiting process, but other than that I had limited knowledge about what to expect, but I just let things happen, kind of sat back and waited to see what played out. I thought it would be a lot more stressful but I had limited my schools of interest early which made it easier, at least for me. One thing I learned from this experience is that it won’t all happen overnight, be patient with the process.

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Hogenson: While looking for a college program to play at for my next four years I was looking for a good coaching staff, coaches who can connect with me and are successful at teaching the game of baseball. I was looking for a consistent program, and UW-Whitewater always has a great team and I believe that starts with the coaching. I also wanted to play somewhere where they would always have the opportunity to be competitive and have a chance to play at the highest level.

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

Hogenson: Yes location and distance did play a factor in where I wanted to go, I wanted to remain close to family and friends but also go somewhere I felt was a good fit for my academic and athletic goals.

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?

Hogenson: I believe the recruiting process started to heat up for me after my junior season. Soon after my High School season wrapped up schools had started to contact me. After attending the PBR Top Prospect Showcase in early June held at the MAX in Illinois, I began to receive lots of emails and letters from multiple schools across the Midwest.

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Hogenson: The first time the coaching staff from UW-Whitewater saw me was at their annual winter camps, I had attended three years in a row, starting my freshman year. Coach Wegner had also seen me at the Exposure day held at Players Choice in Appleton. Shortly after my junior season Coach Wegner had contacted me and we had talked throughout the summer and fall.

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Hogenson: The thing I liked most about UW-Whitewater was all the outstanding facilities they had. Whether it was the Athletic Center, the Baseball Complex or even the Classrooms. Athletically, Whitewater is a very talented baseball program and I really enjoyed meeting with the coaching staff. I also like that Whitewater has a strong success rate for the Accounting program, which I will be majoring in. Some of the key factors to me was a good school academically and athletically and Whitewater brings both of those to the table.

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

Hogenson: Before deciding Whitewater was the perfect fit for me I was also looking at Concordia Wisconsin, located in Mequon, WI.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Hogenson: While playing travel baseball the past two years I faced a lot of talented players. If I had to choose it’d either be Ben Rortvedt, Gavin Lux, or Nate Brown, they are all high level athletes.

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?

Hogenson: As a kid I always had dreams of playing college baseball and during my High School career my confidence grew and I soon realized I had the ability to play at the next level. I had attended multiple PBR events, several tournaments and this helped me to see where I stacked up against athletes in the tri-state area.

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

Hogenson: My suggestion to young baseball players would be to work hard even when no one is looking. I like the quote, “Champions are made when no one is looking.” Sometimes it’s okay to be the unsung hero, you don’t need someone to always recognize the work you put in for it to pay off. In the offseason you need to just grind, set your goals high and don’t let anything or anyone deter you from achieving them.

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

Hogenson: I have many memorable moments throughout my baseball career, but the most memorable is playing in the Cooperstown tournament with the 12u Wisconsin All-Stars. Out of 104 teams in the tournament we made it to the sweet sixteen.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Hogenson: Out of the nine starters we had last year, seven will return providing us with a solid all-around team. With a majority of the starters being seniors, we will have lots of leadership throughout the season which will hopefully carry us deep into playoffs. As long as our team stays focused and plays together, I feel as though we will have a successful season. In my last year of high school baseball I hope to go out with a bang, and hopefully a state title in our hands.

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Hogenson: In the summer I just recently started playing with the Wisconsin Panthers, my past season was one to remember. I enjoyed meeting all my new teammates and bonded with them throughout the summer. I think my most memorable experience was getting to play at all the beautiful facilities such as the University of Minnesota, Grand Park in Indiana and The Rock in Milwaukee.

Q&A with UW-Whitewater Commit Trevor Hogenson

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