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I know it's been awhile but I didn't want you to think I forgot about you and all of your help placing my son Shawn Miller, in a quality baseball and college environment. Shawn has settled in and is really enjoying his first semester at Hendrix College in Arkansas - even with the rain and humidity. The Baseball Factory Exclusive Program paid for itself in getting exposure for Shawn to baseball programs across the nation. Shawn's personal player webpage and videos became our most important marketing tool for potential college coaches. I appreciate you always being available to talk to - often late into your own personal evenings speaking with me on the west coast about the multiple college and coach conversations. Your knowledge of the recruiting process, your unbiased assessment of Shawn's strengths and weaknesses were invaluable as we chose a direction to pursue. As you know in the beginning of the process, we were considering some of the Division I schools that had shown interest (i.e. - University of San Francisco), who felt Shawn just wasn't physically ready to play DI yet. The majority of them wanted him to either play on their developmental squad his first year or some even suggested JC ball for two years. We as a family were committed to a four year college experience and you suggested concentrating on Division II, III, and NAIA programs. Since many of these colleges were very expensive - we were also extremely dependent on you helping us find the right financial aid package. We found out for example, that so many of the California DII colleges that were interested in Shawn - actually were too expensive since they offered little financial aid. After over five months of multiple coach phone calls, college visits and applications - there were two excellent colleges that surfaced as the final contenders. Both DIII Cal Lutheran, California and Hendrix College, Arkansas came up with financial packages worth over 70% of tuition and housing - and both had good baseball programs that wanted Shawn. Shawn felt comfortable with either school - but I think the final clincher for him was Hendrix baseball coach R.J. Thomas - his consistent telephone contact pitching his personal baseball philosophy and the merits of Hendrix College seemed right. Plus coach Thomas also recruited two players from the California Division I, C.I.F. champion Simi Valley High School team - which sold Shawn on his plans. Of course part of me wishes he was still on the west coast so I could watch him more. He's doing great so far at first base/DH and is still pitching some at this point. And though he chose a DIII school, Shawn's goals remain the same - to continue playing, growing and hopefully advancing to the next level. Thank you so much again Kelly for everything - and best of luck to you and the Baseball Factory. |
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