Editor’s Note: Will Kennedy is a 2019 LHP from Smithtown East. He plays his summer ball with the HDMH Titans. After a terrific summer season in which he went undefeated, he also dominated down in Fort Myers, FL where I watched him throw 4.2 shutout innings with six strikeouts in a victory. He committed to Hofstra University last Friday. The following words are his own.)
The recruiting process started for me when Titans recruiting coordinator Tom Downey met with me and my family to go over what I needed to do to prepare for being recruited. He advised to me to figure out a major I was interested in, how far away I was willing to travel for college, and when I should be taking standardized tests. He also outlined how important my GPA would be in getting aid from schools. He was very informative.
Throughout the process I continually sought the advice of my HDMH coach and my pitching coach Neal Heaton who has been with me every step of the way since I was 9. My Fall Coach Shaun Manning also kept me informed as things moved along
My fall team with Coach Manning had a scrimmage at Mitchell field in front of a number of scouts. After that, I was told that Hofstra had an interest in me. Over the next few weeks, I saw Hofstra coaches at some of my games. I eventually was asked to visit the campus.
Before my visit I looked up everything I could on Hofstra. There were many things I liked. They had a good business department, their Baseball conference was very good, they also play a very good non-conference schedule, and I would get to play many games close to home.
During my visit Coach Russo introduced us to Coach Hayban and Coach Wessinger. They then took me and my family on a tour of the whole campus. Showing us all the academic buildings and the many places to eat. They also showed us the athletic training facilities and we meet the trainers. I was very surprised at how nice the campus was. I had played there on a number of occasions with HDMH but had never traveled around the campus.
After the tour Coach Hayban went over the daily training schedule for players during the season and off season. Coach Wessinger went over what he expects from his hitters. Coach Russo then talked about how I would have the opportunity to be a 2-way player and what that entailed. All of the coaches were very thorough and informative.
I went home with my family and we all agreed Hofstra would be a good fit. I would be going to a great school, play in a top conference, play close to home, and have the opportunity to be a 2-way player. I already knew Coach Sarra and Heaton also believed I would do well there. I look forward to being a member of the Hofstra Pride beginning 2019/20.
