Sasser signs with UNCW

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on May 19, 2013 12:01 AM

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Jacob Sasser didn't immediately accept the offer to play baseball at UNC Wilmington.

He took a few days to mull over his decision and talked extensively with Seahawks' associate head coach Randy Hood, who is a native of Grantham. The conversations remained positive about the Division I program and Sasser decided not to waste any more time.

The Southern Wayne senior signed a national letter-of-intent with the Colonial Athletic Association school.

"I was very surprised," Sasser said about his recruitment by UNCW. "The coaches at Mount Olive said I was a late bloomer. I was a super tall kid, real skinny and didn't have too much going for me after my sophomore year."

Then Sasser hit a major growth spurt.

He added some muscle to his frame and helped lead the Saints to a combined 29 wins and one postseason appearance during his junior and senior campaigns. The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder spent this season as an infielder and closer on the mound.

Sasser's biggest asset, according to Saints head coach Trae McKee, is his work ethic.

"He works very hard at everything he does in the weight room and on the baseball field," McKee said. "His biggest thing is believing in himself, gaining some confidence in whatever role he may have at Wilmington. A lot of it will depend on how he grows in his self confidence and becomes a mature baseball player who believes he can get the job done.

"I think he made a good choice ... has a great opportunity."

Sasser attended a two-day workout camp, and received instruction in hitting and pitching. He walked away pleased by his effort, but realized that every fundamental needed fine-tuning. Sasser added that his knowledge of the game, particularly situational plays, must improve, too.,

UNC Wilmington posted 39 wins last season, and swept the CAA regular-season and tournament crowns for the first time in program history. The Seahawks' year concluded with a loss to N.C. State in NCAA regional play.