TCC’s Matt Bahnick commits to Kennesaw State

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (August 1, 2013) – Tallahassee Community College sophomore outfielder Matt Bahnick has committed to Kennesaw State University and will join the Owls' program later this month. 

A native of Allentown, Pa., Bahnick played at NCAA Division II East Stroudsburg (Pa.) University as a freshman in 2011 then transferred to Tallahassee following the season. After sitting out in 2012, Bahnick made an immediate impact once he took the field with Tallahassee in 2013, batting .286 with three home runs and 41 RBI. 

Bahnick saw action in the outfield and as the Eagles' designated hitter and was the only player on Tallahassee's roster to appear in and start all 56 games. However, a position change appears to be on the horizon for the right-handed slugger. 

"I know my best chance at the next level is at third base and Kennesaw State wanted me exclusively as a third baseman," said Bahnick. 

According to Bahnick, he has played shortstop his "entire life" – he even started nine games at second base with East Stroudsburg in 2011 – therefore, the transition to the hot corner won't mark his debut in the infield. Still, he's going the extra mile to ensure he's prepared when he reports to the Owls for fall camp. 

Since committing to Kennesaw State, Bahnick has returned to Tallahassee to work with the Powermill Sports Facility's Bryan Brown, a starting infielder for the Eagles in 2004 and 2005. And while accepting a position change may seem like a risk, it's just another leap of faith for Bahnick, who walked away from a starting role at East Stroudsburg in order to take his talents to the Sunshine State. 

"I took a chance (leaving East Stroudsburg)," Bahnick added. "I learned a lot both on and off the field and matured as a person and, this last year, we did big things on the field. 

"Coming to Tallahassee was a great decision." 

Kennesaw State, located in Kennesaw, Ga., is an NCAA Division I institution and member of the Atlantic Sun Conference. 

Next season, five former Eagles – all members of Tallahassee's 2013 Panhandle Conference Championship team – will dot rosters of A-Sun school. In addition to Bahnick, Nick Deckert will play at Florida Gulf Coast University while Trent Higginbothem, Dan VanSickle and James Abbatinozzi will suit up for the University of North Florida.