Athlete of the Week: Brett Botsford
Juliana Moore, Staff Writer
April 12, 2012
Filed under Sports
The Scoop: Brett Botsford is a senior center fielder from Baldwinsville, N.Y. Botsford has been named athlete of the week as a result of his consistent and outstanding play for Le Moyne baseball. In the first game of April against Adelphi, Botsford went 5-for-8, leading the Dolphins with three runs scored and two runs batted.
How he got started in baseball: Botsford has been playing baseball since he was 5 years old. He said, “I got into baseball because I had grown up watching my brother enjoy the sport so much and I always wanted to be just like him as a little kid.”
On the current season: The baseball season for Le Moyne has been going very well.
“We lost a couple close games in the beginning of the season but we have rebounded well and put together a good season so far.” Botsford explained. “Our team goal this year has been to win the NCAA championship. In order to do that, we need to keep improving every day.”
As for himself, Botsford has a specific goal he hopes to fulfill.
“My goal is to push myself and each player to become the best players we can be,” he said.
Insight on the team: The baseball team at Le Moyne has faced many challenges, including coaching changes and division changes, but they have not let these obstacles affect them.
“No one has complained or looked back,” Botsford said. “We have controlled what we can control, and that’s to go out and compete as a team every chance we get.”
Perks of being an athlete and advice: Botsford values the friendships he has made with teammates as a student athlete.
“Being a student athlete has allowed me to meet such great friends and create memories with them that I will take with me forever,” he said.
As a senior, Botsford offered valuable advice to younger and future players.
“Cherish your four years playing baseball, because it flies by, and you may never get the chance to compete again,” he said. “Work hard and push yourself to get better each day, and make the most of your opportunity at Le Moyne.”
Thank-You’s: “I would like to say thanks to my family, friends, teammates and coaches for constantly pushing me to work harder on and off the field to become a better player,” Botsford said. “They have done so much for me and I can’t thank them enough.”