1) "Who do you look up to as your heroes in sports?"
I look to Roberto Clemente as my hero in sports.
2) What do your friends think of your athletic success? How do you handle missing out on activities with friends because of your athletic schedule?
My friends find me playing sports kind of cool. But there have been multiple times where they invited me to hang out but I couldn’t. I just have to remember that I practice playing to the best of my ability and sacrifices have to be made to do that.
3) Have you had any serious injuries? How did you deal with these and overcome the obstacles?
My most serious injury was my knee injury and with it, I understood that I have to work extremely hard to be where I was prior.
4) Is it difficult to balance sports with school work? Why or Why not?
For me, it is extremely hard to balance sports and school because on most days I come back from school get ready for practice, and come back home exhausted to do homework.
5) Was there a time where you disagreed with an umpire, how did you handle it? Tell us about the one time you may have gotten carried away.
There have been many times I have disagreed with an umpire. Especially when it comes to hitting and I get rung up on an outside pitch. You may be upset, but you just have to walk back to the dugout and continue playing.
6) How do you or your teammates feel about time on the bench?
It is definitely aggravating and boring when you want to be playing but you are not. But it all comes down to if we deserve to be playing. If we are working hard enough to earn that spot.
7) How much time do you spend training and practicing?
I practice 3 times a week with my team. Train by myself twice a week trying to get stronger and consistent with my swing and pitching mechanics.
8) Tell me about one or two things you do in training that directly contributes to your success.
Arm care and stamina always help me last longer in games than I did before, and I see the improvement translate into games after working hard on it.
9) Are there any foods you don't enjoy that you force yourself to consume? Are there any foods that you need to avoid? How difficult is it to control your diets?
I hate eating asparagus but I know I have to eat it. It is very important as an athlete that we stay away from junk food to make sure we aren’t gaining the wrong type of weight. It’s okay to have snacks but don’t overdo it. For me, it is not difficult to control my diet because I eat whatever my mom gives me.
10) Athletes have to eat healthy foods to be in top shape. What foods do you have to give up when you're in training?
During the season I give up on candy and fast food. I also like to limit myself on how much soda I drink.
11) Have you ever had any difficulties with teammates, and how did you handle them?
I use issues with teammates as motivation to get better and train harder.
12) Have you ever felt pressured by a coach or your parents? If so explain and how did you handle it?
I feel pressure from my dad all the time when I play, so I try my hardest not to mess up. The best way to deal with it is just to ignore them and have fun.
13) What have you learned about your own endurance? About your personal limits?
I’ve learned over the years that my endurance needs to get better. Even though it gets better as I work on it, I don’t think it is where it needs to be.
14) What do you feel is the role of your parents? What is their actual role?
I believe my parents’ role is to guide me in the right direction to make sure I stay safe.
15) Have your parents always been supportive of their sports activities?
My parents have always supported me and pushed me to do my best.
16) What words of advice or encouragement do you have to share with younger athletes?
Trust the process. As you get older you will get stronger, all the work you put in will start to connect and show.
17) What have you learned about teamwork from being on this team? How does the team make you a better player?
You can’t be a good team without communication and trust. Playing with this team had helped me become a better pitcher and hitter from learning new things my teammates do.