NCSA caught up with rising baseball star Kasey Lewandowski about his high school career and the opportunity to compete at the next level.
NCSA: What motivates you before a big game?
Lewandowski: The thing that motivates me the most before a big is the thought that I am about to do something that I love to do. Also, the fact that I have eight other people that want the same thing that I want: Victory! Also, listening to my favorite artist, Johnny Cash.
NCSA: What are you looking forward to if and when you get the opportunity to play at the collegiate level?
Lewandowski: I am looking forward to playing on a team that is like a family. I am looking forward to the time when I can become a leader for the team and also winning a championship.
NCSA: Why did you get involved in baseball?
Lewandowski: Because I felt as though it builds character and is my gateway from daily troubles I have. I also got involved because I like being a winner. I have a very competitive attitude and sports is another place in my life where I can put my talents to work.
NCSA: Tell us about your interactions with college coaches so far.
Lewandowski: I have been getting a lot of letters, about one to three a week. I am hearing from DII, DIII and NAIA colleges. The most interesting was a phone call form Minnesota. I put my phone on silent for the night so I could get some sleep; it was about 11:30p.m. For some odd reason I looked at my phone and saw that I had a missed call. I saw that the call was from some strange area code so I listened to the voice-mail. When I heard ".....assistant baseball coach at University of Minnesota..." I sprinted down stairs. Running so fast I tripped, and my mom who was sleeping panicked because she thought that someone was in the house. With a huge smile on my face I played the message over and over and over again to my mom. It was such a happy moment in my life I will never forget it.
NCSA: How does your team look?
Lewandowski: Well, by the looks of it our team is going to do very well this spring. Our biggest challenge this season is ourselves. If we can execute and stay on top of our game all seven innings we will be the top team in the state. I have become more determined. I work out five days a week, three days in the morning with an additional five days after school. I also have been running and eating healthier, to get strong and as fast before I reach this season.
NCSA: What are your goals athletically, academically and in your community for the rest of the school year?
Lewandowski: My athletic goals are to win state this year. My future athletic goals are being a successful collegiate baseball player along with playing in the MLB one day. My goal this year academically is to become an honor roll student and graduate from college with a Masters Degree and become a Math teacher. My goals for the community are to one day start my own little league baseball team for inner city kids and travel around the nation.
NCSA: Tell us about what you've learned since being with NCSA.
Lewandowski: I have learned how to be serious about what I want in my future. I learned that from here on my life all depends on how I take responsibility for my actions and start becoming a more mature person. I have learned that when talking to coaches I must always be on point answer every question clearly and always be positive. I understand that I have to be dedicated when it comes to playing at the collegiate level. The biggest "take-away" that I have experienced is that I would be playing for a quality college baseball team.
