Clark Gries '24 Recruiting Profile

Since I was 4 my dad would take me and my brother to the little league ballpark. It was this experience that planted the seed that I want to play baseball for as long as I can. My dad was my first coach, but from my early baseball years to my high school career, I have had incredible coaches that have helped me advance and improve my game. One of the most beneficial lessons I have learned is to always focus on the next play. Whether at the plate, on the mound, or in the field, mistakes and disappointments are going to occur, but how I respond and how I focus on what I need to do next to help my team, is the important thing. One of the highlights of my early high school career was to pitch as a freshman in the state regional championship. This wasn't one of my best outings, but I got another chance the next year when I pitched the winning game in the sectional championship. The playoff atmosphere with the pressure of performing is something I want to continue to experience in high school and at the college level.

My goal is to play baseball after high school. I have seen my older brother enjoy college, even though he’s not a college athlete, experiencing college while playing baseball is very appealing to me. I look forward to forming life-long friendships with my college teammates and experience all that college life has to offer. I believe the integrity and work ethic that my parents, teachers, and coaches have instilled in me will allow me to be a success in the college classroom and on the baseball field.