UPRISE: Kermit Smith LEADS App State Mountaineers to Target NCAA Dreams in Sun Belt Baseball

App State Mountaineers aim for a Sun Belt breakthrough as Head Coach Kermit Smith reveals the keys to building a passionate locker room, leveraging NIL and transfer portal opportunities, and maximizing player development.

Can Joseph Zamora, Jordan Fisher, and new transfer Nick DiRito drive App State back to the NCAA tournament in a league where consistency trumps a single weekend?

Host Dave Schultz probes App State’s recruiting strategy for pitchers in their scenic, high-elevation ballpark, discusses the impact of sports psychology on young athletes, and gets Coach Smith’s insights on schedule-building for RPI advantages.

The episode explores how App State balances roster evolution with the dynamic Sun Belt landscape and why a deep, healthy roster and mental toughness remain crucial. Is this the year the Mountaineers deliver on their promise—and how will the NCAA’s changing rules shape their competitive path?

00:00 "Staying the Course Successfully"

05:22 "Building a Passionate Team"

07:53 Building Relationships, Handling Pressure

13:49 Scholarship Changes and Player Opportunities

18:25 "Impressive Player Development Insights"

20:12 "Excited About the Roster"

24:43 "The Mental Game of Baseball"

27:29 Scheduling Balance for Early Season

30:42 "Mission Rooted in Student Growth"

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