Senior Alex Reese has decided to continue his athletic career at Bellevue University in Nebraska as a member of their NAIA baseball program. As many know, the recruitment process can be a quite daunting process filled with many challenges, however, this process can help athletes find a place for themselves.
“The recruitment process was intense. I was emailing hundreds of schools each week, trying to get my name out there and find a place to call home for the next four years. I first learned about Bellevue through my brother, who lives in Omaha. The school is just 30 minutes from his house and has an incredible baseball program. He encouraged me to reach out, so I emailed the coaches, sent my video, and they liked what they saw. That led to a campus visit,” says Reese.
Not only was reaching out to coach after coach to find the right one a major factor for Reese, also the campus was a large factor as well.
“I chose Bellevue because when I visited, everything just felt right. Meeting the coaching staff showed me how much they care about their players, and it felt like a great fit financially, academically, and athletically. I’m most excited to compete for championships and contribute to the team’s success,” Reese says.
Shadow Ridge baseball has also had a major impact on his career and he would like to finish the job during his last season.
“Playing baseball here at Shadow has shaped me into the player I am today. The countless hours of practice and game experience prepared me to compete at the college level. Without that foundation, I wouldn’t have this opportunity,” adds Reese. “One of my biggest goals this season is to win a state championship.”
With a college commitment comes years and years of hard work and dedication, for Reese, he was no different.
“My baseball journey has been full of highs and lows. I started playing tee-ball when I was four and fell in love with the game. But after COVID, I hit a point where I lost my passion for it and took a three-month break, unsure if I’d come back. Now, I can’t imagine my life without baseball—it’s the best part of every day,” Reese shares.
Not only did hard work and dedication earn him a spot on a collegiate roster, but also learning to be ok with failure played a role in where he is today.
“The biggest thing I’ve done to earn a spot on a college roster is learning from failure. I firmly believe that every failure is an opportunity to grow, and turning setbacks into lessons has made me a stronger player and person,” Reese adds.
