Echo

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

Echo loves hearing that loud crack of the bat when someone barrels up a fastball- watching to see how far the ball is going to fly. The team camaraderie. The dugout jokes, the sunflower seeds, and the shared wins and losses that created bonds with his teammates and coaches. When a new season comes around and his best friend and teammate is suddenly standing on the opposing team's side of the field. The dirt, the crowd, the rush, and the anticipation of the next game.

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

Echo says his dad inspires him everyday. No matter what happens on the field, knowing Echo’s dad is always right there ready with a smile to cheer him up after a tough inning or deliver the perfect pep talk his dad makes him the greatest teammate of all.

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

The final inning, down by one, two outs and nobody on base, the entire game came down to this moment. Echo stepped up to the plate, feeling the weight of the team on his shoulders, as the opposing team brought in their best pitcher. Three incredible swings later, the third strike sealed the final out, and the game was over. Tears welled up in his eyes, he showed true sportsmanship, graciously congratulating the opposing team, proving that he was a champion in character during the toughest defeat