Kirk Saarloos stood at the podium after winning 39 games and laid out the facts: "22 quality wins, you stack that up against anyone in the country and we're a deserving host." The numbers backed him up. TCU finished 39-20, went 19-11 in the brutal Big 12, and reached the conference tournament championship game.

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Yet somehow, for the first time since 2008, not a single Big 12 team hosted a regional. The Horned Frogs packed their bags for Corvallis, Oregon as a #2 seed.

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Here's the beautiful part: while everyone else debated selection committee logic, TCU went to work.

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‍That's the culture Kirk Saarloos has built in Fort Worth—less talking, more doing. Win 39 games? Great. Now prove it again on the road. That's championship mentality, and it's exactly what develops college players into professionals who succeed at every level.

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If you're a parent looking for help getting your athlete to the next level, Alex and Premier Athletes can help.

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The Academic Foundation:

• Location: Fort Worth, Texas
• Enrollment: 10,510 students
• Private research university with top-tier academics
• Average admitted student GPA: 3.8-4.0

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The TCU Experience: Beautiful campus in a thriving metropolitan area that combines Southern hospitality with big-city opportunities. TCU athletes benefit from personalized attention,  extensive alumni networks, and academic support systems designed specifically for student-athletes balancing rigorous schedules.

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Purple Pride: Program Identity

• Member of the Big 12 Conference (one of college baseball's toughest)
• Multiple College World Series appearances
• Consistent top-25 national rankings
• Known for developing tough, fundamentally sound players

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The Saarloos System: TCU emphasizes complete player development with a focus on situational awareness, mental toughness, and clutch performance. The program culture produces players who thrive in pressure situations and compete at the highest levels—a philosophy that translates directly to success beyond college.

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The Man Building Champions: Kirk Saarloos

• Fourth season as head coach (13th year at TCU overall)
• Former TCU pitcher and MLB veteran
• Played professionally for Oakland, Cincinnati, and Cleveland
• Deep understanding of what it takes to reach the next level

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Why His Background Matters: Saarloos isn't just teaching college baseball—he's preparing players for professional careers. He knows what scouts look for because he lived it. His dual perspective as both a former Horned Frog and MLB pitcher creates a development pathway that few programs can match.

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The 2025 Season Nobody Expected:

• Overall Record: 39-20
• Big 12 Record: 19-11
• Big 12 Tournament Championship Game appearance
• NCAA Tournament berth (Corvallis Regional #2 seed)

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What Made It Special: After missing the 2024 postseason entirely, TCU came roaring back with one of the program's best seasons in recent years. The Frogs dominated in-state matchups with series wins over Texas Tech, Houston, and Baylor while navigating one of college baseball's toughest conference schedules. They battled their way to the Big 12 championship game and earned their spot in the NCAA Tournament.

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The season showcased everything great about TCU baseball—resilience, competitive fire, and player development. Freshman standouts like DH Sawyer Strosnider, RF Noah Franco, and RHP Mason Brassfield proved that Saarloos can identify and develop young talent immediately. These weren't just solid contributors; they were impact players from day one.

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MLB Success Stories:

• Notable alumni: Matt Carpenter, Kyle Winkler, Luken Baker
• Consistent track record of draft picks and professional signings
• Strong relationships with MLB scouts and organizations

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TCU's development approach consistently produces professional-level talent while maintaining focus on the complete student-athlete experience. The program's MLB alumni network provides current players with mentorship and professional connections.

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Why TCU Makes Sense For Your Athlete:

• Elite competition in the Big 12 Conference
• Head coach with professional experience who understands player development
• Strong academics and prestigious degree
• Location in thriving metropolitan area with excellent exposure
• Culture that emphasizes toughness, fundamentals, and winning

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For players who want to compete at the highest level while preparing for life beyond baseball, TCU offers everything needed to succeed. This is a program that develops winners on the field and in life.

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How Smart Families Navigate Recruiting

Most families guess their way through recruiting—hoping the right email, showcase, or video will get noticed. We replace that guesswork with a clear, proven plan: the right timeline, targeted coach outreach, strategic exposure, and polished videos that stand out. Your athlete won't just be seen—they'll be pursued.

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Programs like TCU don't accidentally stumble upon recruits—they strategically identify players who fit their culture and development system. That's exactly the methodical approach we teach families to take with their recruiting process.

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‍Take Control of Your Recruiting Journey

Don't leave your son's future to chance, let's build a recruiting strategy that puts them on the radar of programs that matter.

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Schedule Your Free Strategy Call with Alex Here

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During this call, we'll evaluate your athlete's current recruiting position and create a personalized action plan to maximize their opportunities. Programs like TCU are already building their next recruiting class—make sure your athlete is part of those conversations.

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To your son's success.

P.S. Are you overwhelmed by the college recruiting process and worried your son might get overlooked? We get it.

Schedule a call with me today, I'll give you a clear roadmap so he gets noticed by the right schools and you can finally enjoy the journey with confidence.

• Premier Athletes Recruiting Program (4-figure investment) – A full-service recruiting program that takes the guesswork out of the process. You’ll never have to navigate this alone. We guide your family step-by-step so your son gets seen by the right schools.

Schedule a Recruiting Call