CELINA - Once Wright State University-Lake Campus baseball found out that Brady Steinbrunner was interested in playing baseball for the campus, it didn't take long for the connection to click.
The Celina pitching standout will play baseball for the Lakers next season, joining a program that has been one of the best small school programs.
"I'm excited and ready for this next chapter of my life," said Steinbrunner, who will major in criminal justice. "It was a long process. Coach Bailey (Lakers head coach John Bailey) didn't know that I even wanted to consider (WSU-LC). We hadn't messaged a lot. But as soon as he got into contact, it was easy from there."
The Lakers finished 22-24 last season. The program has been a part of the United States Collegiate Athletic Conference, last playing in the USCAA Small College World Series in 2021.
"It's close to home and I don't have to spend a lot of money," said Steinbrunner. "It's good baseball for the size of the school."
After going 1-4 with a 2.48 earned run average as a sophomore, Steinbrunner had a breakout season in 2024. In a span of a week, Steinbrunner pitched a no-hitter followed by a perfect game, becoming just the 22nd player in Ohio High School Athletic Association history to pitch consecutive no-hitters.
Steinbrunner finished with a 6-1 record, a 1.99 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 52 ⅔ innings, earning first team All-Western Buckeye League honors.
"I've just been trying to get my velocity up on my fastball and work on my command a little bit trying to cut down on my walks," said Steinbrunner about what he has worked on to get ready for his senior season."