We are here with Andrew Olsen, junior catcher at Don Bosco Prep. Andrew is the ultimate student-athlete, top of his class academically and playing baseball at such a high level. And frankly having improved his Exit Velo from 73 to 88 mph (this spring) there aren’t many that work as hard as he does in the gym.
Nunzio: Andrew thanks for being with us today. Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
Andrew: I am a junior at Don Bosco Prep and catcher on the varsity baseball team. I also play a few instruments including guitar, piano, bass and drums. And I am currently working towards being valedictorian or salutatorian of my class.
Nunzio: I know you are very focused on your academics. Can you tell me a little about your course load?
Andrew: At Bosco, I am in as many AP classes as possible, AP English, AP Biology and AP History. I had previously also taken AP Chemistry. You could say my course load is heavy.
Nunzio: I know you are also a musician and play with the Bosco Band? In addition to playing baseball, can you tell me a little about what your workload this time of the year between school, music and baseball?
Andrew: I did play with the band and the jazz group this year. I play piano with a small jazz group that plays pretty complicated songs. I also played in a solo piano event this past week, which was very interesting. I play guitar with a guitar ensemble which was also a great experience. I loved it.
Nunzio: How do you manage your time?
Andrew: First thing’s first, I have to say I don’t have a lot social stuff going on this time of the year. A typical day after school would start with a game or practice. After practices I would go to RPP, go home, eat dinner and do my homework (which is generally a good amount given my classes). On game days, I would go home and work until I fell asleep. It leaves very little time for TV or hanging out. I fall asleep around 10:30 and then it starts all over again. But it’s really just about doing what you have to do and getting your work done.
Nunzio: You spent a lot of time training here this past year working on your physicality. I know your exit velo is up significantly now in the upper 80s. Can you talk a little about what you think the training has done for you?
Andrew: I honestly think that the training is the main reason I am where I am today. My pop-time is sub 2 and my exit velo is approaching 90 which is great for my position. Just two years ago my exit velo was 73. All the workouts I do here are specific to my position which is what I love about this place.
Nunzio: I have to be honest Andrew, I have watched you grow up from a little boy, age 13. I have a video of you, seriously kudos, you have done an excellent job. As a junior, can you talk a little about your plans for the upcoming summer?
Andrew: My plan is to play travel ball with Tri-State Arsenal and also planning on attending many showcases and camps this summer, including Headfirst, Showball and camps at Columbia, Dartmouth and Cornell.
Nunzio: I know you will have a big decision this coming fall. What’s important to you when you think of college?
Andrew: First and foremost, I am looking for the best academic school where I can play baseball at a high level.
Nunzio: I don’t think I have ever asked you but what are your GPA and SAT scores? I know the type of school you want to go to. Are your grades good enough?
Andrew: My GPA is currently a 4.64 and my SAT scores are 1510. I hope they are good enough!
Nunzio: What advice do you have for younger student-athletes like yourself?
Andrew: I think the most important thing is to work hard and keep working hard. No matter what others say, just put your head down and work as hard as you can until you reach your goal.
Nunzio: I know you attended a PBR Showcase recently and posted some great numbers. Awesome job Andrew, you have a great deal to be proud of. Good luck this summer.
Andrew: Thanks Nunz.
By Nunzio Signore (BA, CSCS, NASM, CPT, PES, FMS)
