A Recruiting Story Rooted in Relationships
Brody Trosclair, a right‑handed pitcher who spent his freshman year at Northwestern State, announced his commitment to the University of Tennessee after completing an official visit to Knoxville. The visit left him feeling welcomed and at ease, a sentiment that ultimately sealed his decision.
Tennessee’s recruiting coordinator, Ross Kivett, laid the groundwork for the connection, but it was the personal interactions that proved decisive. During the trip, Trosclair grew closer to both Josh Elander and the newly hired pitching coach, Austin Knight.
Knight’s pedigree added a compelling narrative. Having served as a volunteer assistant at Louisiana Tech from 2013 to 2015, he crossed paths with Trosclair’s father and quickly ascended the coaching ladder, most recently spending five years as the pitching coach at East Carolina where he helped shape MLB prospect Trey Yesavage.
Knight’s reputation as a developer of major‑league talent resonated with Trosclair, who praised the coach’s ability to forge strong relationships with Louisiana staff and his track record of elevating pitchers to the next level.
On the mound, Trosclair posted a 5‑1 record, a 1.89 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP during his debut season, wielding a four‑pitch mix anchored by a sharp slider. Despite currently rehabbing an elbow injury, he envisions himself as a weekend starter for the Volunteers and is focused on returning fully fit.
Beyond statistics, Trosclair wants to bring energy to the clubhouse and contribute to the team’s overarching goal of improving the pitching staff enough to contend for a trip to Omaha.