Athlete Answer to Questions

Here are the answers to the questions the athlete, Nolan Santos gave me.

1. What made you pursue the game of baseball?
I always had a love of the game since I was a young age but also knowing that my father made it far in this game, that just made my passion stronger.
2. What is the biggest difference between college and high school? (academically and sport)
Academically college is a lot harder and athletically the competition is very tuff. Everyone on the college team was the star of there high school and now they are just one of the guys on a d1 baseball team.
3. How do you balance being a student athlete?
In the beginning it is very hard but you tend to get used to it after the first couple months. There are a variety of practice times and if have to put the work on your own to study and still get out and practice. It is two lives trying to be one.
4. What are your pregame rituals before a game?
The pregame rituals that I have is that once I step on the field I do a quick prayer and then I take a jog out to the fence. Also before a game that I start, I will always long toss so that my arm feels ready to go.
5. Who is your role model in baseball and in life?
My role model is my father, he had played the game of baseball and went professional. He even has his own baseball card and he is very successful in his life and he is my role model on and off the field.
6. What is the best moment you had in your career so far?
The best moment I have had so far was in high school when we beat Coral Gables Cavaliers. My tenth grade year and we were playing our rival School Coral Gables and I hit the walk off hit to win the game
7. How was baseball your Senior year of high school?(Offers, experience, teammate views)
Well, I could not ask for better teammates and I had my friends that I have known since I was little play ball with me. Offer wise, I received two offers, one from a D2 school and then Bethune. The experience for high school could not be better. I always just want to go back and relive the high school moments. I got to play with my best friend and it seemed that we were always having fun.
8. Who are your biggest supporters?
My biggest supporters are my parents and my two best friends who have played with me since a young age and throughout high school.
9. What are your goals for being a freshman in college?
The goals I have this season is for my team to win but personally I jut want to go out and give my team the best chance to win the game for me when I am on the mound.
10. Do you plan on continuing baseball after college?
That is my dream. The dream is to get drafted and end up playing Major League baseball.