Andrew Alfini '19 Recruiting Profile

    One of my favorite high school memories so far is getting the opportunity to play a year higher than my normal age group. As a freshman I played on the sophomore team and that was a challenge; but this last year as a sophomore I played on the varsity team. The challenge and the spotlight is much more on varsity athletics.  I received my first varsity pitching start on our Spring tournament game in California.  It was our teams 3rd game of the season, and we had lost our first 2.  Our team won 3-2 and that began my HS varsity experience   I felt that I have grown greatly  as a student-athlete through my first regional playoff pitching appearance as a high school baseball player. I felt honored as a sophomore to be able to experience that especially on a traditionally strong baseball program at Downers Grove South HS.  And I was very proud when my teammates voted me Varsity rookie of the year.   I have learned from my experiences and grown so I can come back the following year stronger and better than ever. This gave me an idea of what the college level can be and how to prepare for the situations that are presented to me. 

    I have discovered baseball through my family and other relatives loving, watching, and talking about the game of baseball constantly. I enjoy the challenge of when people tell me I can't do something or I shouldn't try something because you won't be successful. I use that negativity as the fuel I need to succeed.  I was fortunate enough to have my high school and travel team coaches show me how I can accomplish goals that I have set for myself based on the role I have on and off the field.  My travel coaches instilled more confidence in me that I am very appreciative of.  I began to think of myself as a single role guy, but they showed me I can play around the diamond and perform in the batters box too. I learned how to value teamwork and appreciation for myself and my other teammates. I believe the college I see myself in has to have highly competitive baseball program, with a comfortable, but challenging academic curriculum. I believe I make a difference in my teammates lifes on and off the field, by cheering them up or showing them how to work on something different to improve on their baseball skills. I believe my family and friends believe my work-ethic and leadership is strong, and I believe I am the person to take a lead role on your team wherever I may fit.