SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Today, Bronco baseball announces the 11th member of its incoming class of freshmen for 2014-15, Joe Becht. The shortstop currently attends Downers Grove South High School in Downers Grove, Ill.

"My road to Santa Clara was an unexpected one," Becht said. "I am a kid from Illinois who was looking at schools only in my region. I liked the other schools but did not have that feeling when you know it was the one. Once I talked with the coaches at Santa Clara, I immediately got that feeling. They were great guys who I wanted to play for."

As a junior in 2013, Becht hit .381 for head coach Darren Orel and the Mustangs. He recorded season totals of 24 RBIs, 21 runs scored, 12 doubles and one home run, earning all-conference honors for the second consecutive year. Downers Grove South posted a 31-8 record, entered the playoffs as a No. 1 seed and reached the section semifinal.

"Joe is a guy that impressed us from the first time we saw him," associate head coach Gabe Ribas said. "He is a great athlete with huge leadership skills. He isn't afraid to push people around him and demand the best from all of his teammates. Joe does the little things really well, and once we get him out of the snow and ice of Illinois we think he will really develop his skills in a hurry."

The 5-foot-11, 165-pound prospect also plays football and basketball for the Mustangs. His mother, Tracy, was a golf team captain for three seasons at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Becht's career goals include playing professional baseball and working for a tech company in Silicon Valley. He enjoys playing all types of sports from baseball to frisbee golf. The soon-to-be Bronco is involved with the National Honor Society as well as Superfans and DECA. He intends to study business and computer science at Santa Clara.

"The combinations of high academics, a baseball opportunity and an incredible campus feel made Santa Clara the perfect college choice for me," Becht said. "I am ecstatic about attending and playing for the school and cannot wait to step on campus."