Jacob Kieffer '21 Recruiting Profile

I started playing baseball at the age of 6 and have never stopped. It is who I am and what I love. I have been fortunate to play all over the field mainly middle infield and corner outfield, but I can still remember the first time I stepped onto the pitching mound. I was 9, a lot nervous and even more excited. The first time I struck someone I knew I was hooked. The feeling of power and control of being on the mound was like nothing else. I never looked back and have been dedicated to improving my pitching skills ever since.

I am fortunate to be a part of a first class baseball program at Desert Oasis High school, and part of the varsity team who was 2019 Desert Region Champs, Southern Nevada Champions, and Nevada 4A State Champions in NIAA 4A division Baseball. The starting line-up for the team included 5 division 1 college commits, with two of my team mates going on to be drafted into the MLB. I learned the level of commitment, teamwork, and hard work it took to play at an elite level of baseball. That year, however, was bittersweet for me. As one of the youngest members of the team I did not see a lot of live game playing time. It was frustrating and disheartening. However, I soon learned that I was a valued member of the team through the support I provided to the starters while cheering them on, warming them up, and any relief appearances I made on the mound and in the field. I continued to work hard on my own hitting with Coach Mike Bryant and pitching with Coach Tony Gallo as well as maintaining a strict athletic training program. I suffered an oblique strain and a high hamstring strain that also set me back a bit. But I rehabbed and kept going. Losing my junior season to Covid-19 has been another stumbling block, but all of these experiences have shown me the value of perseverance and commitment. Through it all I have remained laser focused on my goal of improving and continuing to play the game I love. I am looking for a program that will continue to support me as I grow personally, athletically, and academically. I am confident I have the skill, work-ethic, character, and leadership skills necessary to compete at the college level and make a solid contribution both on and off the field to any college baseball program. I am excited about what the future of baseball will hold for me!