Mike Vukovcan Exciting news emerged over the weekend for a Hopewell baseball player.
Hopewell senior catcher Charlie Smetana received a scholarship offer to play at D-1 Mercyhurst. This was a tough decision because Smetana had previously committed to play at the University of South Carolina-Sumter (JUCO).
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After weighing the pros of cons of both opportunities, Smetana made the decision to accept the opportunity at Mercyhurst.
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Vikings Sports Now had the chance to talk with Smetana about decision, what went into it, his future along with unfinished business that remains at Hopewell.
Hopewell catcher Charlie Smetana
Smetana Q/A with Vikings Sports Now Following Commitment to Mercyhurst:
Q: The last time we talked, you made the decision to play for the University of South Carolina-Sumter to continue your education and baseball career. Yesterday, you path changed and now you’re headed to Mercyhurst University. Walk us through that decision and what ultimately led you there?
Smetana: “The biggest thing for me was wanting to stay closer to family. After my grandma unexpectedly passed away earlier this year, it really put a lot into perspective for me. Being nine hours away started to weigh on me more than I expected, and I realized how important it was to be closer to the people who have always supported me.
Another huge factor was that one my best friends, LP, is playing there too. We’ve been teammates for years at Beaver Valley, so having the chance to continue playing together at the next level is awesome.
Mercyhurst also just felt right from a baseball standpoint. I’ve been there before for BV tournaments and always really like the campus, and the facilities.
Coach Cut (Cutshall) also had a big impact on my decision. He played at Mercyhurst and is in their Hall of Fame. Coach Cutshall and Coach Tanner have both been huge in my development over the years. They’ve always believed in me, pushed me to get better, and helped me so much.”
Q: What’s the excitement level like right now as you prepare to join the Mercyhurst program and begin this next chapter?
Smetana: “I’m definitely pumped for this opportunity. Playing college baseball has always been a goal so being able to continue at Mercyhurst is something I’m really excited and grateful for. I can’t wait to get on campus and get to work with the team.
At the same time, I know there’s still a lot of work ahead of me. This summer is going to be huge for continued development, and honestly, I feel like I’m just getting started. College baseball is a completely different level, so I’m focused on continuing to get stronger, improve my game, and prepare myself to compete when I get there. I’m excited, but I also know nothing is going to be handed to me.”
Q: When you sat down with your family (and coaches) to evaluate everything, what were the biggest factors that helped make Mercyhurst feel like the right fit for you?
Smetana: “The biggest thing finding a place that was the right fit for me both academically and athletically. The level of competition at Mercyhurst was a huge factor. I wanted to challenge myself at the next level and be in an environment where I’d have to compete every day and continue getting better. Being closer to home definitely doesn’t hurt either. Having my family able to come watch me play more often and knowing I’m not too far away was something that became more important to me throughout this process.”
Q: Athletic journeys are never done alone. Who are some of the people you’d like to thank for helping guide and support you along the way?
Smetana: “There are so many people I need to thank, and I will likely miss some. First, I want to thank Coach Cutshall, Coach Tanner, Coach Liberatore, Coach Weischedel, Coach Singletary and his staff: Coach Smith, Coach Absey and Coach K for all the mentorship, guidance, and support they’ve given me.
They’ve all played a huge role in helping me develop as a player and as a person, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them believing in me and pushing me to be better every day. I’ve been lucky with some great coaches since my earliest days with Coach Gill, Coach Tony, Coach Donovan and all the time they spent with us growing up.
I also want to thank all of my teammates over the years, especially the seniors (Drew, James, PK, Kingston, Ben, and Logan) who I grew up with on the field. Competing alongside those guys, learning from each other, and building those friendships has been amazing.
And of course, my family has meant everything throughout this journey. They’ve always support me, sacrificed for me, and been there through every step of the process.”
Q: I’ve known you a long time, and one thing that never changed was your dream of playing Division I college baseball. How much did the opportunity to compete at that level influence this decision?
Smetana: “There’s no question that playing Division I baseball has been a goal of mine for as long as I can remember. Growing up, that was always something I worked toward and dreamed about. But at the same time, I’ve learned not to get too hung up on the labels of D1, D2, D3, or Juco because at every level, you have to be really good to play college baseball.”
Q: I have to ask you about the Hopewell Vikings. Looking back on the season to this point, what are you most proud of about this team and the way you guys have battled together? And now, being in the quarterfinals, what’s the mindset in the dugout as you prepare for Monday’s game against No. 3 seed Valley?
“We’re having a blast right now, and I think the biggest thing is this team is really clicking on all cylinders at the right time. I’m most proud of the way we’ve competed together all season and how everybody has embraced their role. The seniors have been huge for us. King, Ben and PK have been unreal on the mound all year and have given us a chance to win every time out. I’d put those three up against any 3 pitchers in the WPIAL.
Drew has been a rock for us at shortstop, Logan has really stepped up as a leader of our team, in addition to playing really well at 1B and at the plate, and Jimmy has always been a great hitter and has really shown it this season. Boo Boo’s numbers speak for themself. He’s been on base a ton and has helped us plate a lot of runs. Collin and his speed have been unreal at second base, and Jake has come through with some huge clutch hits for us, especially in last Monday’s playoff game. Last but not least, our bench guys keep us loose and having fun. This season has been so much fun all the way around.
Also, our coaches have been dialed in all year, keeping us motivated, and focused, and grounded through the highs and lows of the season.
Going into Monday, I think the mindset in the dugout is just to stay loose, stay confident, and keep playing for each other. We know what we’re capable of when we play Hopewell baseball, and we’re excited for the opportunity in front of us.”
On a personal note, I’ve known and watched Charlie playing baseball since his days with Hopewell Youth Baseball. He’s lived, eaten and breathed baseball every day since then so to see him receive this tremendous opportunity is awesome.
Now, today begins a new journey and that’s to become a productive, starting D-1 baseball player at Mercyhurst. Knowing your work ethic and passion for the game, I have zero doubt that will eventually happen.
Congratulations Charlie and also to his parents Mike and Carrie.
