NCSA caught up with baseball standout Clint Moore about his high school career and the opportunity to compete at the college level.
NCSA: What motivates you before a big game? What's your pre-game ritual(s)?
Moore: I listen to music (country and rock-n- roll) to focus on the job ahead of me and concentrate on "what needs to be done". I also study my opponent's line-up to size up individual player's strengths and weaknesses.
NCSA: What are you looking forward to if and when you get the opportunity to play on a collegiate level?
Moore: I have been accepted at the United States Military Academy at West Point and will play baseball there for the Black Knights. I'm looking forward to meeting new teammates and playing for a first class program that will further develop my skills as a student athlete.
NCSA: Why did you get involved in the sports you played in?
Moore: I came from an athletic family that supported the belief: Athletes are better students! My mother is a teacher, also, so athletics, books and studying went hand in hand! I remember enjoying watching baseball on tv since I was a toddler. I was fascinated with all aspects of the game and began playing baseball at the local community center when I was 4 years old. The game of baseball has been a positive influence in my life. It has given me the opportunities to travel, meet new people, make new friends and cherish friendships for a lifetime.
NCSA: Tell us about your interactions with college coaches so far.
Moore: I was recruited by many college coaches ranging from Div. I to Div. III schools prior to my commitment to West Point. The recruiting process is a long one that requires patience, organizational skills, communication skills and the ability to continue to believe in your self as an individual and athlete.
NCSA: How are your team(s) doing so far? Any challenges this year?
Moore: My high school team, Grimsley High School, recently won our conference…Metro-4A! As team captain, I was extremely proud of the younger players who gained confidence in their skills during the season and proved to demonstrate these skills in key situations in those "big games"! We have learned to work together, support each other, celebrate successes and learn from our mistakes throughout the season as a TEAM and we're looking forward to the challenge of competing in the State Play-offs.
NCSA: What are your goals - athletically, academically and in your community - for the rest of the school year?
Moore: I am in the process of completing my senior year of high school and preparing myself mentally and physically for the challenges ahead of me at the United States Military Academy. Throughout my high school career, I've been committed to achieving goals and maintaining the high standards I set for myself. I set short term and long term goals and made a plan for their achievement! This plan involved developing baseball athletic skills and life skills that would take me to the next level; Physical fitness training, strength/endurance training, practicing good study habits, maintaining a 4.3 GPA, participating in school/club and community service activities, and demonstrating leadership.
NCSA: Tell us about what you've learned since being with NCSA.
Moore: NCSA provided me with the opportunity to learn about the recruitment process, offering guidance and support every step of the way, throughout the years I was involved. My experience has been positive and one that I would highly encourage athletes to benefit from also.
