Colin Roos, Sandpoint High School's ace pitcher, announced his commitment to the University of Utah via Twitter on Saturday.

Roos and the NW Premier travel ball team competed and won the National Pathway Qualifier tournament in Pathway, Utah this past weekend.

Following the tournament, Roos took an unofficial visit to the University's campus.

"I met their coaches and took a tour. I also attended their prospect camp in mid-June," Roos said. "They really liked me and wanted to see more, so they came to watch me in Arizona a week later. After the game, they gave me an offer."

Roos and the University of Utah have been in contact since the fall. Following his first unofficial visit to campus, everything felt like a natural fit.

"I wanted to play at the highest level and I also wanted to play at a big university," Roos said. "When I visited, I really liked the academic opportunities, coaching staff, players, and campus feel. I am very excited to compete in the Pac 12."

Roos piqued the interest of several other Pac 12 schools, including Washington State, Oregon State, Oregon, and Arizona State, along with several other schools not in the Pac 12.

Utah ended up meeting most of Roos' criteria. He also felt the strongest connection with the Utes team and coaching staff.

"One of the main reasons I chose Utah was because of the coaching staff," Roos said. "The coaching staff is easy to talk to, which is nice because we talk weekly on the phone."

Not only is the coaching staff easy to talk to, but its coaching philosophies and styles are a natural fit for the hurler.

"The coaches are easy going, encouraging, and process focused," Roos said. "Coach Henderson also has an impressive history of getting players to the MLB."

Roos feels that his hard work and dedication have finally paid off following his commitment to the University of Utah.

"It also means an opportunity to represent everyone in my life who has helped me get here," he said. "From family, coaches, teammates, and even community members who have bought raffle tickets and supported fundraisers so I can play ball."

As for advice for those who are looking to play college baseball, Roos sent out an important message about character.

"First of all, any level of sport beyond high school is an accomplishment," Roos said. "All levels of college athletics require commitment, hard work, and sacrifice. Remember that it's not only about your athletic ability, coaches are watching to see how you respond to failure or when things don't go your way."

Roos extended his gratitude to all of his coaches that he's had in the past for getting him to this point in his career.

"I want to thank all my little league and high school coaches, especially my travel-ball coach Troy Nowell," Roos said. "He didn't just develop me as a baseball player, he also developed me as a person."