Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories of athletes and coaches who define perseverance, passion, and purpose.

Today, I’m fired up to welcome one of college baseball’s most respected leaders, University of Michigan Head BaseballCoach Tracy Smith and his former standout player, now New York Mets first-round draft pick, Mitch Voit.

Coach Smith’s journey has been nothing short of legendary. With over 800 career victories, back-to-back Big Ten titles, and 90+ MLB draft picks to his name, he’s built powerhouse programs at Indiana,Arizona State, and now Michigan, all while mentoring some of the game’s biggest stars, from Kyle Schwarberto Spencer Torkelson.

Joining him is the young man who represents everything Michigan baseball stands for, Mitch Voit, a Midwest-bornathlete whose humility, leadership, and relentless work ethic have made him one of the most complete players in college baseball. A former two-way star and Freshman All-American, Mitch’s rise from a small-town kid to a first-round MLBdraft pick is a story of commitment, growth, and staying true to his values.

In this episode, we’ll talk about the bond between coach and player, how it began with a recruiting miss at Arizona Stateand came full circle at Michigan and how trust, culture, and belief can transform not only a program but a person.

We’ll explore what separates good players from great ones, what “team-first” leadership looks like in today’s NIL era, and how mental toughness continues to define the next generation of athletes stepping into the national spotlight.

So, get ready for an inspiring, behind-the-scenes look at the Michigan baseball culture, from the clubhouse to the big leagues with Coach Tracy Smith and Mitch Voit.