Trailblazer pitcher Sam Steimel signs to play at McKendree University

VINCENNES, Ind. – Vincennes University sophomore pitcher/outfielder Sam Steimel recently signed to continue his academic and athletic careers next year at NCAA Division II McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill.

Steimel began the year primarily as an outfielder before growing into one of the more consistent Trailblazer pitchers, finishing the year with six complete games on the mound, including shutouts wins over then No.12-ranked Parkland and Spoon River.

Steimel finished the 2021 spring season with a 6-8 record on the mound and a 4.86 earned run average and 67 strikeouts in just under 80 innings.

Sam joined the Trailblazers after spending the previous two seasons at the University of Evansville.

"I came to VU because I saw a great opportunity to play baseball against great competition," Steimel said. "As well as working toward my degree."

Steimel helped guide the Blazers to a 24-31 record this season, and was a key contributor in VU's late season push to make the Mid-West Athletic Conference tournament.

"Vincennes University helped me learn new skills in the classroom, such as studying and problem solving," Steimel added. "VU also opened up new doors in my athletic career and brought me new relationships as well."

Sam joins a Bearcat team that finished with a 14-26 record last season and a 7-25 Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) record under head coach Andrew Stepp.

Stepp was named the head coach at McKendree during the summer of 2019 after spending the previous season as an assistant.

Stepp played at Southwest Baptist University before transferring to Western Kentucky University for two seasons.

"I chose McKendree because I really like the young coaching staff and the strong conference they play in," Steimel said. "Another big reason was their partnership with P3, which is a baseball performance lab that I believe will take my game to the next level. McKendree also provides me with the opportunity to receive my Master's in Finance."