Come back every Tuesday for Recruiting Horror Stories™, athletes' first-hand stories on what can go wrong during the recruiting process.
Sometimes, hindsight is 20/20, and that's certainly the case for this Recruiting Horror Story. This week, we sat down with former UConn baseball pitcher Garrett Coe, and talked through his recruiting process from the good to the ugly, so other recruits can be aware of what can go right and wrong.
What about baseball made you want to play at the next level?
I've always loved it and grew up playing. My family has always been big sports fans and being surrounded by my older cousins who were all athletes helped.
Explain how your recruiting process started (teams, showcases, scouts)
My recruiting process started in 8th grade being that I was large for my age. I went on a lot of unofficial visits during my off time. I did a few showcases that put me in contact with a lot of schools. My summer before sophomore year I sat down with a family friend who was a scout and he told me that there was a chance I could get drafted out highschool.
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits
What, when, and why went wrong when it came to your injury? Walk me through your horror story.
The same summer before my sophomore year I was at a camp at the University of Maryland and had thrown a lot that weekend and was asked to throw one more time and ended up tearing my groin on the right right side and was originally told by a trainer that it was sprained. My velocity dropped over 10 mph and went from talking to tons of coaches to talking to none. I spent nights driving to tournaments and even slept in my car a few times, [but] it wasn't until February of my senior year that I committed to UConn.
How did you push through the adversity?
My mom always reminded me how much I loved playing even when it was hard. My coaches and teammates supported me through the rehab and recovery process. I took time off of football and focused on baseball and got into great shape. I also regularly thought to myself that God had a plan and that everything happens for a reason and keeping that faith helped a lot.
Related: 10 Questions About Injury Prevention & More With Athletic Trainer KatieRose Healey
Tell me about your experiences after recruiting and how you've enjoyed playing college athletics.
After I had committed it felt like a weight off my shoulders as well as a feeling of how the real work was about to start and it was turning into more of a job for me. College athletics have been great. I've had the opportunity to play with and against some of the best players in the country. I've gotten to pitch in a conference championship as well as an NCAA Regional. I went from scared about not playing at all to going into games that I had only dreamed about.
Coe's recruiting process had a rough start, but he proves that even Recruiting Horror Stories can turn into happy endings. So if you're having a tough time, hang in there! You never know what's on the other side of your stress and hard work.
Have a horror story of your own? Email us at [email protected]
* Originally published on November 15, 2022, by 2aDays Staff
