Conner Punzel '22 Recruiting Profile

My name is Conner Punzel. I’m a 6’1”, 185 pound junior at McFarland High School in McFarland, Wisconsin. I am a right-handed hitter and fielder. My primary positions are shortstop or anywhere in the infield. I’m also a versatile player and can play both infield and outfield positions skillfully. I have played club travel baseball for the past four years with the Silver Sluggers and Greg Reinhard Baseball Academy (GRB). I am also a multi-sport high school athlete playing baseball, soccer and basketball.

My high school baseball career started my freshman year as my team made a state run. As a freshman, I started as a primary pitcher and logged 18 innings including 15 strikeouts on the state semi-final team. My sophomore year was impacted by the Covid pandemic, but I was still able to play a successful, full season with GRB. I also practiced skill training with my high school varsity team, but the pandemic prevented us from playing full games. Missing my sophomore high school season was very disappointing, but I’ve tried to turn it into an opportunity to grow as a baseball player by strength training and working one-on-one with my high school coaches to improve my pitching and hitting velocity.  

Baseball is more than a sport to me. It is about perseverance, leadership and collaboration. I’ve had the opportunity to learn from amazing coaches and teammates who have each had an impact on my skills and attitude on the field. My parents are also positive role models by always supporting me no matter the outcome of any game. They have taught me to always try my best so I can walk off the field with a positive attitude.

I envision my college years to be a personal growth period. My goal is to pursue a medical career by starting in nursing then working my way up the ladder to physician assistant or nurse practitioner. My grades have always been a priority and they will continue to be in college. On the diamond, I will focus on being a dynamic player and positive influence on my college team. I will strive to be an asset to the pitching rotation, in the field, and batting line-up.

I believe in putting in 100% effort both on and off the field. It is my goal to have the opportunity to show you that in the future.