By Kohl Jackson
As the spring semester winds down and the college baseball season comes to a close, star player Alex Schroeder agreed to an interview about his career with the Bison. Finishing up his senior season, Schroeder has accomplished multiple achievements during his time on Bison Hill.
His love for the sport began at the age of four playing tee ball in his home state of California. He had always been active and wanting to be outside, and he decided to try out baseball and he really loved it. He then proceeded to play travel ball and eventually started for his high school team at Rocklin High School. While in high school, he also played soccer until his junior year when he decided to focus entirely on baseball.
While playing for Rocklin, he accumulated 21 hits in 28 games with a batting average of .267%.
After high school, he played for Folsom Lake College briefly before eventually committing to play for OBU.
“I had originally committed to OBU in 2019 before COVID happened, and once COVID happened, I decommitted to go back to FLC. I then committed to Saint Mary’s College in CA before complications happened and I was not able to go to Saint Mary’s. OBU then came calling, and I committed here again, almost as if it was meant to be,” Schroeder said.
Since his decision to play for the Bison, Schroeder has earned many honors, including being named to the All GAC First Team in 2023. Within the last season, Schroeder has broken the school record of home runs in a career with 47 out-of-the-stadium hits. Many more followed, and he brought home the conference record after tallying 59 homers to his name. Moreover, Schroeder has recorded over 175 hits during his college career. Of course, with all of his success at the plate, he has broken through the 200 RBI threshold, breaking yet another school record.
“It is pretty cool to have broken these records, but it was not something that I had seeked out, they just kind of happened. It was cool hearing that I had these records because I did not come here with the idea that breaking records would be in my future. I could not have done it without the coaches and players that I have played with,” Schroeder said. “I do not necessarily have any unique training techniques, but I am very superstitious. If I have a good game, I will eat and drink the exact same thing I had that day.”
Nearing the end of three full seasons, Schroeder has experienced many memorable moments, but he recalls one particular moment during the 2023 Great American Conference Championship that still sticks in his mind.
“My roommate and close friend, Troy Shields, and I, hit back-to-back home runs, and it was a pretty cool experience,” Schroeder said. “Every game has been memorable. I was lucky enough to meet some incredible teammates and lifelong friends and be able to play with some that I have known since I was young.”
As for his advice to aspiring athletes, “Play your sport as long as you can and bet on yourself. Do not give up on your sport or yourself no matter how hard it may be. You do not get another opportunity to play a sport in college before you turn into a real-world adult and can’t have the chance to play a sport.”
During his free time, Schroeder spends a lot of time playing golf and video games.
“Whenever I am not at the field, I am normally just hanging out at home and chilling.”
After he graduates, he plans to carry his success on the diamond to success on the greens.
“I plan to move down to Texas and live with my girlfriend Logan, find a job down there, and work on my golf game.”
When asked about his time at OBU and the benefits of faith integration he replied, “The team does a pre-game prayer in left field, and that has been a great experience. Being able to connect with God and play the game we love is pretty amazing.”
“OBU has been a pretty good fit for me as a person. A smaller school in Oklahoma was not on my radar for college landing spots, but it worked out well. I have enjoyed my time at OBU, and I am going to miss my coaches, teammates, and professors that I have had the privilege of meeting.”
