George Rogers Clark senior Ethan Neal committed to Capital University last week and has no doubts he made the right decision.

He said the location, educational standards and the program is a perfect fit for him.

“I chose Capital University because it is my ideal campus size,” he said. “I firmly believe the academic and athletic program will develop me into a better baseball player and man.”

Neal is ready to take the leap into college, but wants to focus on finishing his baseball career out strong at GRC.

“I am super excited to open the next chapter in my life,” he said. “However, my mind is still focused on making the most out of my last couple months as a Cardinal.”

Neal said he cannot even remember how long he has played baseball.

“It has just always been a part of my life,” he said. “The game has blessed me with lifelong friends and memories that I would not trade for the world. I could not imagine myself having a passion stronger than baseball.”

Neal said he has a strong belief in his mental toughness for the game and knows how far that can take him.

“I am very confident in the mental part of my game,” he said. “I have been blessed with an amazing father who has been with me through it all. He has taught me everything there is to know about baseball. He has also made me mentally tough on and off the field by saying ‘do not let your highs be too high and your lows be too low.’ That has always stuck to me on and off the field.”

Neal wants to focus on growing his leadership skills in his last season before taking the college stage.

“I need to improve my voice on the team,” he said. “I have been going with the flow on things and that needs to change. I need to have strong leadership going into my senior year and take charge.”

Neal plans to improve his hitting in the preseason.

“My personal goal for my senior season does not consist of numbers,” he said. “I need to stay consistent in the batters box and in the field to help my team win. Our team has one goal and one goal only which is to dig our cleats into the dirt at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.”

Overall, Neal feels confident moving forward as his baseball career quickly progresses.

“I am confident in my going into the college level,” he said. “I have worked for four full years to fulfill my lifelong dream of being a college baseball player and now that is becoming a reality. It will only motivate me more to come onto campus as the best baseball player I can be.”