Noah Johnson is a senior pitcher who recorded a team-high 64 strikeouts in 53.2 innings pitched in his first season in a Rocket uniform. A Toledo native, Johnson transferred to UT after spending three seasons at Virginia Tech. He has already earned his bachelor's degree in public relations and is currently working on a second degree in university studies.

On playing baseball growing up
I started playing baseball around the age of six and played in high school right down the road at St. Francis de Sales High School. I didn't know if I was going to play college baseball, because I wasn't pitching at an elite level until my senior year. That's when I started going to a pitching coach and made a huge jump in my velocity. 

On the decision to transfer to Toledo after spending three seasons at Virginia Tech 
I ended up going to Virginia Tech and played there for three years before deciding to enter the transfer portal. My first call was from Coach Reinstetle. I just had really good communication with him, and I loved the energy they were giving me. Being from Toledo, it was like a no-brainer to be able to come back and play in front of my friends and family.
 
On making a jump in velocity
When I started my freshman year of high school, I was throwing in the mid-to low-80s. In my junior year of college I was topping out at 95. I was 6'3 and 170 pounds as a senior in high school and I didn't have much behind the ball. In my freshman year of college I gained about 50 pounds, and I grew about two inches. Mechanics played a huge part in helping me improve my velocity. It's important to be able to understand your body and who you are as a pitcher. Being able to get in the weight room and understand my body has also really made a big difference.
 
On the pitches he throws
I added two pitches to my repertoire last season, a two-seam fastball and a splitter, and now can throw four pitches. Just being able to use those pitches now helps me be more successful than my velocity. Last year, my slider was one of my best pitches, because I was able to use that in any count against any hitter.
 
On his family's connection to baseball
My dad Kevin played baseball at Kent State. My brother Casey played at Toledo in 2015. I would say they are my biggest mentors. I knew about our program a lot growing up, and I was always around the sport. Baseball was a big part of my family, and my twin brother and I went to all of my brother's baseball tournaments until we started playing.
 
On playing golf with his teammates
I love golf and played in high school. As a pitcher, we have a lot of free time and shorter practices than the hitters sometimes. We get out and enjoy the nice weather while we go to some courses around here. A lot of pitchers on our team love golf so we all go out together and it builds a unique bond between the pitching staff. It's great to hang out on the golf course for four or five hours and get that camaraderie.
 
On Coach Reinstetle's influence
He's been a tremendous mentor in just the two years I have been here. I have learned more as a player from him. He is more personal and more one-on-one with his players. It doesn't matter if you're No. 1 or 40^th on the depth chart, you're going to have that connection with your coach. He keeps the communication open and free, so you always know where you stand. He has created an environment in our team that we know we want to win, and we have the talent and players to do that. We are just trying to bring that first MAC championship home to the university.  

On adding a turf infield last year
It's a huge benefit. I watched my brother play on a field when it was grass and dirt, and it rained a lot which caused a lot of games to be cancelled. It is a huge step up for us to be able to get on the field and have live at-bats almost every day. Just being able to get outside and not have to practice inside is a big difference.
 
On his plans for the future 
I graduated last year with a degree in Public Relations. I decided to come back and get a second undergraduate degree in University Studies. I want to play baseball and live on that dream of playing professionally as long as I can. If that doesn't work out, I would love to go into corporate PR and serve as a spokesperson possibly in crisis communications.