In this episode of the Coach Beede Podcast, Walter Beede sits down with Bill Cilento, Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Wake Forest, to break down what truly separates elite college baseball programs from the rest.

Coach Cilento shares how Wake Forest blends culture, development systems, and technology to consistently produce high-level players — including multiple first-round MLB draft picks. The conversation goes deep into recruiting philosophy, player development, training at game speed, and preparing athletes for the realities of modern college baseball.

Why talent is just the baseline — and what Wake Forest looks for beyond tools

How Wake Forest uses technology and pitching/hitting labs within real development systems

Training hitters at game-level velocity and why bat speed is king

Using ProLine training balls for hitters, catchers, and in-game simulation

Why aggressive mistakes beat passive swings every time

Recruiting in today’s world: high school vs transfer portal

The real value of summer college leagues like the Cape Cod League

Advice for younger players and parents navigating early exposure

Why failure is necessary — and how elite players seek it out

This episode is a must-listen for players, parents, coaches, and trainers who want a real look at what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of college baseball.

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