We would like to congratulate Derek Smith on his commitment to Oklahoma State University. Here are Derek’s recruiting story and interview with his family. Good luck as a Cowboy!
1. Share your recruiting story and status.
I had started talking to some PAC 12 schools starting my freshman year but I really wanted to have the chance to play ball east of Arizona in the midwest or southern states. I went to a camp at OSU last year and loved the campus, town and the coaching staff. After that camp, an assistant coach from OSU took interest in me and I began speaking to him a lot. I kept working and kept him informed of how I was doing in games and stuff. Then I posted a video from a May practice. It wasn’t anything fancy, just some practice throw downs and things I had been working on and the OSU coaches saw it and really liked how much I had improved from the time they saw me in September. I called Coach Marty Leis shortly after that in June and he offered me an amazing scholarship. Told me to think about it. I didn’t take too long though because it was my dream school and honesty there was nothing to think about! I called him within 3 days and accepted his offer.
2. What school are you going to, and why did you choose them?
I am going to Oklahoma State University. I chose OSU because I really liked the coaching staff. They have a great baseball background and I really liked their coaching style when I met them at that camp. I know they are going to be at OSU for a long time. I want to play for the coaches that signed me. It’s really important to me to have that stability in a program. Another thing that was really important to me is that I wanted to play for a school that I think can make a run in Omaha and I believe OSU will for sure be that school!!
3. How did SportsForce help in the process?
Andrew and SportsForce helped me in so many ways. I was nervous when I first started talking to D1 coaches. Andrew helped me with what to expect and taught me to make sure I asked the coaches questions too since I am also making sure they are a good fit for me. Andrew checked in with me several times and made sure I was staying focused on goals and even gave me things to work on that I know helped me get recruited.
4. What advice would you give to other players and parents with the recruiting process (ex. start early, get a highlight video)?
First off, stay humble and work harder than anyone else around you. Don’t post every at bat but maybe make a video of some of your best swings even if they were outs. I definitely would recommend going to camps at the schools you like. Try and meet the coaches and talk to them as much as you can.
5. How excited are you on your future in college?
I can’t wait to get there. I can’t wait to start the grind. They have a new baseball stadium at OSU and it’s awesome. I am really looking forward to playing on that field.
6. How much money do you estimate your family saving in college expenses over the entirety of your college career? (Includes, Athletic scholarships, Academic scholarships, & financial aid)
My family will save around $100,000 over 4 years with the academic and athletic scholarships I received.
7. Would you recommend SportsForce to any other student-athletes? Why?
Yes, for sure. The talks I would have with Andrew will stay with me for a long time, through college for sure. He gave me confidence in so many ways and helped me with the mental side of the game and this process. He would come to my games and was just a big part of every step. SportsForce just made it smoother all the way around for my family and me and for sure helped me make the right decision in finding a school that was the right fit for me.
Over the last 12 years, SportsForce has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $80,000 in college expenses.
Our Mission at SportsForce Baseball:
We are on a mission to help our select number of qualified and evaluated players maximize their recruiting offers and make the best college decision.
Started by CEO & founder Andrew Beinbrink, SportsForce Baseball is a nationally recognized college recruiting advisory group with over 40 former college coaches, players, and MLB scouts in 10 different states.
During the last 11+ years, we’ve helped over 1,000 players make their college commitments.
Read below, why we are different from every recruiting group in the country.
Why SportsForce is Different:
* View our Home Page Video Unlike most recruiting companies, we do not just partner with anyone for our hands-on recruiting programs. Instead, we only partner with qualified players who meet our Five academic, athletic, and coachability selection factors.
We evaluate between 10,000-12,000 players each summer and fall at top showcases and selectively advise, and advocate for only a limited number of players each year by directly contacting college coaches to help them maximize recruiting offers.
Each of our expert college recruiters is limited to how many players they will advise so there is the best combination of hands-on guidance and personal recruiting outreach to college coaches.
Social Media Exposure: We also utilize our growing Twitter following at @SportsForceBB which is followed by over 500 NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JC coaches nationwide and growing fast.
To Get Evaluated by Our Expert College Recruiting Staff:
Option 1: Complete our Recruiting Questionnaire
Option 2: Email us at scouting@sportsforceonline.com
Options 3: DM us on Instagram @SportsForceBB or Twitter @SportsForceBB and share recent video, stats, or measurables (velocity, 60, exit speed, pop time, etc…) for our scouts to evaluate.
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