The Adrick Steel Bayer Interview (Mechanicsburg, PA)
Steel Bayer featured at PennLive's 2024 Fall Sports Media Day
Name: Steel Bayer
Hometown: Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Height: 6-4
Position: Midfielder, Centerback, Defender
High School: East Pennsboro (PA)
Graduation Class: 2025
GPA: 4.0
Club: HEX FC ECNL
Status: COMMITTED (West Virginia University 11/13/2024)
ENOLA, PA -- Steel Bayer is a 6'4" Defender and Midfielder from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. He's currently a senior at East Pennsboro Area High School, and most recently with HEX FC in the Elite Clubs National League. On November 13, Bayer committed on National Signing Day to the West Virginia Mountaineers, of the Sun Belt Conference.
Within his senior season, Bayer finished with 32 goals and 12 assists to lead the Panthers to a 13-6-1 finish and District 3 postseason appearance. Additionally, he has earned Mid-Penn Conference Capital Player of the Year, on PennLive's 2024 Boys Soccer All-Star team and PSCA All-State honors in 3A. In his career, Bayer scored 61 goals, accounted for 25 assists and contributed for 147 total points.
RPN Director Tyreese Smith caught up with the future Mountaineer on his prep career, life in Central PA and the decision to choose West Virginia.
Steel Bayer Interview
When did you first start playing football?
- "My soccer journey started as soon as I touched a ball. I was punting and drop kicking it, before I could walk 10 steps. I first played for EPYAL rec soccer, until I moved to Penn FC-LDC at around age 9. By age 10, I was traveling all over the east coast to play in soccer tournaments. The coaches and teammates at LDC-Penn FC really shaped my career path."
Describe your game from the skill standpoint.
- "I am definitely an athletic soccer player. Really can be anywhere on the field, and make an impact. I can play with both feet, confidently and accurately. In the air, I rarely lose challenges. My distribution is super strong anywhere from 5-50 yards. My 1-on-1 defending, even with how big I am, is very up there."
How was life growing up in Central Pennsylvania?
- "It was great, I wouldn’t trade the people or experiences in central pa for the world."
We all know you're a senior. Big dawg on campus, popular soccer player, play in a successful baseball program, standout in the halls at 6’4” and more. But, life moves on next year. How would you describe your time at East Pennsboro Area High School?
- "The last 4 years at EP has been nothing short of incredible. I’ve had an absolute blast in the hallways, or at sporting games with some great people. I’ve been able to witness my friends break school records, and they are there when I broke mine. The baseball team is nasty, though. We are going for it all this year for sure. It’s a small place, but the community, students, teachers, and coaches really do make the place feel special. I’ve had tremendous support academically and athletically from the people here. It’s always been East Penn against the world. We love being the underdog school."
You most recently committed to West Virginia, taking your talents to the Sun Belt. What factors led into your decision around National Signing Day?
- "I signed to West Virginia because it is an incredible opportunity to play at the next level. A top 10 program for the past two years, they send guys to the MLS yearly. The coaches were fantastic and the environment was second to none."
You’re still at a very early stage of your career. What kinds of things are you doing to make yourself the best player you can be?
- "I definitely try to be the best student. Always focusing on my grades. I workout, or train everyday, sometimes twice a day. I constantly get treatment, or care on my body to ensure I stay healthy."
- "I work with current high level college players to compete with them in training sessions. I still travel over an hour and a half, twice a week, to club practice to keep improving my game. Sessions on the field with my sister, who plays D1 at Towson. I'm with my head high school coach, Jared Latchford who coaches MLS next and played D1 himself. My club team has a bunch of soon to be college athletes, and we compete with some of the best youth teams in the country very often."
What does your nutrition plan look like when you're getting in shape during training?
- "My nutrition while currently in the offseason is essential. I consume about 4,200 calories a day to put on weight. I am up 10 pounds since the high school season ended. Tons of chicken with two protein shakes everyday. Just have to pick up the fork. Pregame, you have got to have carbs protein, and a fruit or vegetable. Gives me all the energy I need to run 5-6 miles every training or game."
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of sports?
- "My hobbies outside of sports consist of spending time with my friends and family. I’m on Xbox a bit recently due to down time. Everything mostly of what I do revolves around sports, such as attending high football or basketball games. At times, playing other sports pickup style for runs."
To my understanding, you're an Ohio State fan. I have no CFB team, but can't imagine how brutal 'The Game' is with both fanbases. Even with the statement win against the Vols on Saturday, who are your favorite sports teams and why?
- "Ohio state is my favorite sports team, I am a diehard. My only favorite team. I’ve loved the Bucks for about 10-11 years now. With Michigan, we have fallen short and it sucks every year. When they beat PSU over and over, it is great to get on my friends about it. It’s always go buckeyes, even in Central PA."
Who's your favorite athlete and why?
- "My favorite current athlete is Anthony Edwards. He's a pure bucket. super flashy and fun to watch. He's about his buisness too."
Editor's note: For those who don't know, Mr. Bayer also has a basketball background.
Who would you consider your role models?
- "My parents and sister have been some of my biggest role models. My parents have always given me every opportunity I have needed to be the best I can. They push and support me more than anyone. My sister plays at Towson, and I always wanted to be better than her growing up. She is a good soccer player, but an even better role model. My family has been so supportive, and I try to imitate the best versions of them at all times.
What's the greatest piece of advice, or life lesson you've gained from sport?
- "The greatest piece of advice I have learned in soccer is what character means. The actions you do when no one is watching. The extra work you put in on the field, or in the classroom, is what shows. For me, it is something I live by. The behind the scenes work is the most important part of the show."
Close to wrapping this up, but let’s think through this question. What do you see yourself accomplishing in the next five years? How will people remember the name, Adrick Steel Bayer? Rap to me.
- "In the next five years, I want to make a name for myself at West Virginia. As a top 10 program the past years, I am super exited to get going. I want to make an impact as soon as I can. I’d love to provide a few championships there. Sun Belt and national chips are the goal. I want to continue to be the best soccer player from the Mid-Penn."
Thank you Steel for taking the time to talk with me. Also, the patience as I've been rocking more with the pod lately. Hope you enjoyed the shoutout. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation? Any last words?"
- "Don’t make excuses, everyone’s got a reason or excuse to not put in the work. Do it, whether you want to or not. Thank you for having me my guy!"
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