We visit Central Ohio today to learn more about a sophomore infielder who just committed to a Big Ten school four days ago!

Name: RILEY PAXSON
Grad Year: 2017
Pos: first base
High School: Tri-Valley (Dresden, Ohio)
GPA: 3.4
Club: Beverly Bandits – DeMarini 16U
College: Michigan State

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FullCountSoftball.com: Has it sunk it yet that you’re going to a Big Ten school?
Riley Paxson: I am very proud to be able to play in the Big Ten, growing up that has always been a dream of mine.

FCS: You’re from the heart of Big Ten football country—albeit Ohio State! Does softball where you are from get the respect you think it should and perhaps does in other places?
RP: No, I think football is the major sport of our area.

FCS: Have you played other sports—and perhaps still do—and if so did these sports help you become a better softball player? Explain…
RP: I have played basketball up until this year, I think the conditioning and using of other muscles helped out a lot.

FCS: Unlike those who plain in warm-weather states and can be outdoors all year long, how do you hone your softball skills when winter hits and there’s snow on the ground?
RP: My Bandits team practices indoors, as well as a lot of tee work and drills in a friend’s building.

FCS: Tell us how you were first seen by the Michigan State coaches, then how long until they offered?
RP: They first saw me last fall and MSU offered at PGF Nationals this year.

FCS: You just committed last Friday (August 29), what have you done to celebrate this exciting event?
RP: I celebrated by heading to the softball field and playing in a tournament!

FCS.com: When did you decide to commit and what led into the decision?
RP: I decided to commit on my second visit after meeting the new assistant coach, JT Gasso

FCS.com: How did you tell the coaches, in person, on the phone, on an unofficial visit?
RP: I was on my unofficial visit when I told Coach (Jacquie) Joseph in person.

FCS.com: Did you visit other campuses and if so what did you like about the schools?
RP: I visited Penn State and Ohio State and liked their coaching staffs as well.

FCS.com: Was there one singular moment when it became apparent that the Spartans were for you?
RP: I knew MSU was for me when I was on my first visit in February.

FCS.com: How far away is the drive from your house to Lansing? Was distance a factor in your decision at all?
RP: East Lansing is 4.5 hours away from home. I wanted to get away from home but not to far from seeing my family.

FCS.com: What would you say are your attributes that got you the scholarship?
RP: My size, power, and hard work.

FCS.com: What’s been the highlight of your softball career on the field to this point ?
RP: The highlight of my softball career is meeting new people and traveling around the US.

 

Quick Hitters

 

What is your hometown or area most known for?
Longaberger Baskets.

If you were given a $1,000 bill today, what would you spend it on?
MSU clothing.

What do you think is the most pressing issue facing your generation today?
Making college decisions early as an athlete.

Favorite sport other than softball:
Basketball.

Least favorite attribute in a person:
Attitude.

Favorite place in the world:
Home.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Lebron James, because he’s the best basketball player and he’s from Ohio.

What type of bat do you use (and why do you like it)?
Easton Mako because it has a lot of pop.

Last movie you saw and how would you review it (good, funny, sad, dumb…)
In the storm, I thought it was good.

What’s something unusual or different about you that few know?
You don’t want to smell my cleats after games!

How would your friends describe you in one word?
Tall.

What’s the best advice someone has ever given you?
Have fun.

Do you have any softball superstitions or rituals?
Putting dirt in my back pocket.

Fill in the blank… I love softball because _____________________
… I love the competition and being with my teammates.