West drawn to NC State through family connection

Aidan West committed to NC State back in November 2021, before his freshman season, and it was a family connection that led him to the Pack.

“NC State has always been one of my dream schools,” West said. 

How does a Maryland native pick a North Carolina school as a self proclaimed dream school?

“My late grandfather, Eddie West, was the starting QB and catcher there back in the ‘50s,” West explained.

Eddie passed away before Aidan was born but that didn’t stop the impact Aidan felt from his grandfather.

“My dad and grandma always told me stories about him playing, his life; it inspired me,” West said. “I have a lot of things hung up from his NC State days. It’s a connection I’ve always had.”

West’s recruitment picked up in the summer of 2021 and the Pack was one of the schools that recruited him heavily. After getting invited to an NC State camp, West built relationships with the staff and spent time on campus.

When it came time for his commitment, West picked the Pack over his hometown school, Maryland.

“I loved the guys at Maryland but it was the connections and loving the coaches at NC State,” West said.

NC State has had a lot of success with shortstops in the past decade including Trea Turner, Joe Dunand, Will Wilson, and most recently Jose Torres, another Maryland native, who West has gotten to know.

“He was telling me how much he loved State and his time there,” West described. “It was inspiring for me.”

West had a huge freshman year in 2022, hitting .409 with two home runs and 16 stolen bases. As he heads into his sophomore season, he has one goal in mind.

“I want to help my high school team win the region. That’s my goal right now.”

What type of player is NC State getting in West?

“I’m a talker,” West said. “When I’m at shortstop, whether it’s controlling the outfield or controlling the infield, giving signs to the pitcher. I try to be the leader out there and do whatever I need to help my team win.”

“You can definitely see me as a flashy player,” West continued. “But that’s my passion for the game, not an ego. That’s how I express it.”