NCAA D1 Athlete Advice | Lessons Learned as Upperclassmen for High School Athletes & Families

In this episode, Coach Beede hosts a powerful conversation with two NCAA Division I pitchers, Carson Cormier (Illinois State, former TCU) and Connor Fennell (Vanderbilt, former Dayton) , sharing their journeys from high school to becoming upperclassmen at the college level. Carson’s path included a post-grad year at Phillips Andover, the challenges of competing at TCU, and his transition to Illinois State in pursuit of a starting role. He highlights the importance of work ethic, time management, and adjusting to the demands of college baseball. Connor’s story reflects determination from high school through his time at Dayton University and eventual jump to Vanderbilt in the SEC. He discusses overcoming struggles, the intensity of playing in hostile environments like Ole Miss and Tennessee, and the lessons learned from Coach Tim Corbin on preparation, discipline, and character. Both athletes stress the reality of year-round commitment, the role of nutrition and strength training, and the need for confidence and resilience to succeed at the highest levels. For parents and high school athletes, this episode is packed with first-hand insight on recruiting, the value of post-grad opportunities, the impact of the transfer portal, and how to truly prepare for the college experience. The Coach Beede Podcast is brought to you by Proline Training Balls – the trusted training tool for every level of the game. Visit prolineballs.com to learn more. And by Baseball Bluebook – the official baseball directory since 1909. Download the app today and find everything you need, including Proline products, right inside the app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices