For Cambridge left-handed pitcher Mark Rogers, finding the right fit was everything as he went through the college recruitment process.
The fit had to be twofold, combining academics with the opportunity to contribute on the field.
And he found exactly what he was looking for with Canisius University.
"The staff and the foreshadowing of myself in the program," Rogers said about what attracted him to the school.
"I see a program that isn’t going to drown its players in the hype of being at the top ranked school in the country. An opportunity to come out of high school and pitch is much more valuable to me than having the big logo that everyone knows but not being able to fulfill those expectations out of the gate."
Based just over the border in Buffalo, NY, Canisius may not be a Division I powerhouse but it's no slouch in producing winners and getting players to the next level.
Playing in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, the Golden Griffins own four conference championships and have had 18 players either drafted or signed by Major League Baseball teams, one of which is former Toronto Blue Jays right-handed pitcher John Axford.
Rogers doesn't need the hype, anyway.
A former member of the Canadian Junior National Team, he's more than fine letting his play do the talking.
In a fast-moving world where players are eager to achieve the big league dream as quickly as possible, Rogers wanted to remain grounded as he came to a decision of his own.
"Playing in college is the step of every kids dream that gets skipped," he said.
"My direction is being able to continue playing the sport I’ve played since I was able to walk. To me, that means the world and it’s been a goal of mine for a long time. Not many people get to this point and whether it’s the last four years or a stepping stone to pro ball, it isn’t taken for granted."
The past few years of Rogers' career have been a whirlwind.
Not long after pitching well in front of college recruiters and professional scouts at the prestigious Canadian Futures Showcase in Toronto last year, he got the call from Team Canada.
Now, he's made the choice of where he'll further his career.
"I want to make an impact and be a leader for everyone," he said of his goals upon arriving on campus.
"I'll strive to continue to be a student athlete and not take advantage of being at school for just a sport. Competing on and off the field has always been who I am and will continue to be."