Prospect's Coen hits it big with UIC

Any uncertainty about the future was clearly having no effect on the present for Prospect senior John Coen.

So, will signing a letter of intent Wednesday night to accept a partial scholarship with Illinois-Chicago help a player already hitting a whopping .618 with 10 doubles and 14 RBI?

"I'd hope so," the Prospect leadoff man and third-year varsity player said. "I've felt pretty locked in. I haven't felt this good since I was 10."

Coen feels even better about joining a UIC program that is currently 12-21 but has won eight straight Horizon League titles and made four NCAA tournament trips under head coach Mike Dee.

UIC showed interest last summer at the Stevenson junior prospect showcase and while he was playing for the Arlington American Legion team. Coen had committed to Vernon College, a two-year school, in January.

But interest from UIC picked up again in the last few weeks. Texas-San Antonio had also showed interest in Coen.

Coen roomed with Fremd product Nick Addison on his visit to UIC. Jason Ganek (Hersey), Matt Serna (Rolling Meadows), Mike Schoolcraft (Fremd), Tyler Rubio (Palatine) and Ryan Shober (Fremd), who is sitting out this year after transferring from Valparaiso, are also there.

"When I looked at all of the guys from the MSL (Mid-Suburban League) who have gone there," Coen said, "and now that I know some of those guys, I always thought it would be a good place to go."

Coen, a Daily Herald all-area football player in the fall, rebounded from shoulder surgery from a football injury his junior year. He said UIC is looking at him to play second base, third base or a corner outfield spot and should help a team which has only one lefty hitter on its roster.

"With my versatility it could be a big advantage," said Coen, who plans to study business.