Lucas

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

He loves competing and helping his teammates get better, Lucas is shy off the field but comes alive when he steps on the field. Yelling the number of outs and leading chants in the dug out. He also loves batting, he’s a big hitter for his age, raking 13 HRs in his 7u season. When he’s on defense, he’s aggressive, staying with plays until the umpire calls time. He never gives up.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

He’s a big fan of Shohei Ohtani, he loves how he bats so well but can also pitch. Shohei is also kind and humble, shaking hands and acknowledging everyone on the field. Lucas hopes to also be a great pitcher when he moves to kid pitch so Ohtani is a great role model all around.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

Halfway through his 7u season, Lucas was struggled at the plate. After a great start, he was now trying to hit home runs which was causing him to strike out. It was very frustrating for him, the strikeouts led to tears and frustration but he did not back down. Instead he took advice from his coaches and what he needed to do differently and quickly turned his mechanics around, and started to flatten out his swing and get on time. In the back half of the season, he rarely struck out.