The University of Memphis Baseball squad got a big commitment last Sunday from infielder Alec Trela. The 6-foot-4, 215 pound third baseman is one of the top ranked high school players in the state of Illinois. He is also a very impressive young man who has made plans for his life on and off the field, and definitely views Memphis as the perfect place to help him achieve those goals.
"Everything just clicked when I visited Memphis," said Trela. "The coaches were absolutely fantastic. They play really good baseball. They are in a great league. They were also very in depth about academics. Their graduation rate is spectacular. I want to get my major in the medical field and Memphis is a perfect place for that. I'm looking at Bio Medical Engineering, and concentrating on prosthetics. My sister has a physical disability and I want to help people. That's one thing I loved about Coach Schoenrock is that he is very involved in the community as well."
Trela is equally as focused when it comes to the diamond. "I think the Memphis baseball program is fantastic. I look at a team's schedule difficulty and how they compete against the toughest teams. The Tigers defeated West Virginia, Ole Miss, and Arkansas last season."
He also is impressed with Head Coach Daron Schoenrock's ability to get players to the next level. "I really pay attention to player development. They get players drafted. I want to enjoy my three years, or ever how long I am there before I get drafted."
Trela has shown the ability to perhaps get those future professional looks. "I played in the summer with the GRV Rays out of Wisconsin. I hit six home runs which broke the team's record. The previous record holder got drafted by the Blue Jays. My power at the plate draws people's interest."
The third baseman from Normal, Illinois has been exceptional with the glove in the amateur ranks, also drawing full ride offers from Creighton, St. Louis, Kent State, and a partial from Virginia Tech. But Memphis has discussed moving Trela to shortstop. "I have good lateral quickness, and can move at that position. Coach Schoenreck told me if I continue to work hard and progress, I have a chance to play early."
Trela will play this fall with the Midwest Reds Scout Team which features lots of draft picks. He is also excited about his upcoming high school season next spring at Normal Community High School. "Coach Ryan Short has done a tremendous job there and has always supported me. I want to have a great season for him." Odds are on Trela's side that he will named 1st team All-Conference for the third straight season.
The next stop for Trela in Memphis will be on October 30 and 31. "I'm excited about that visit. Most of the future Tiger players will be making on campus that weekend."
Meanwhile Trela will be working hard even through the cold Illinois winters. "It takes a lot of drive and discipline in the winter. I'll spend a lot of time on my footwork doing agilities and in the batting cage. "I'll also be in the weight room getting stronger."
"Everything just clicked when I visited Memphis," said Trela. "The coaches were absolutely fantastic. They play really good baseball. They are in a great league. They were also very in depth about academics. Their graduation rate is spectacular. I want to get my major in the medical field and Memphis is a perfect place for that. I'm looking at Bio Medical Engineering, and concentrating on prosthetics. My sister has a physical disability and I want to help people. That's one thing I loved about Coach Schoenrock is that he is very involved in the community as well."
Trela is equally as focused when it comes to the diamond. "I think the Memphis baseball program is fantastic. I look at a team's schedule difficulty and how they compete against the toughest teams. The Tigers defeated West Virginia, Ole Miss, and Arkansas last season."
He also is impressed with Head Coach Daron Schoenrock's ability to get players to the next level. "I really pay attention to player development. They get players drafted. I want to enjoy my three years, or ever how long I am there before I get drafted."
Trela has shown the ability to perhaps get those future professional looks. "I played in the summer with the GRV Rays out of Wisconsin. I hit six home runs which broke the team's record. The previous record holder got drafted by the Blue Jays. My power at the plate draws people's interest."
The third baseman from Normal, Illinois has been exceptional with the glove in the amateur ranks, also drawing full ride offers from Creighton, St. Louis, Kent State, and a partial from Virginia Tech. But Memphis has discussed moving Trela to shortstop. "I have good lateral quickness, and can move at that position. Coach Schoenreck told me if I continue to work hard and progress, I have a chance to play early."
Trela will play this fall with the Midwest Reds Scout Team which features lots of draft picks. He is also excited about his upcoming high school season next spring at Normal Community High School. "Coach Ryan Short has done a tremendous job there and has always supported me. I want to have a great season for him." Odds are on Trela's side that he will named 1st team All-Conference for the third straight season.
The next stop for Trela in Memphis will be on October 30 and 31. "I'm excited about that visit. Most of the future Tiger players will be making on campus that weekend."
Meanwhile Trela will be working hard even through the cold Illinois winters. "It takes a lot of drive and discipline in the winter. I'll spend a lot of time on my footwork doing agilities and in the batting cage. "I'll also be in the weight room getting stronger."
