OUR ATHLETE OF THE WEEK COMMUNITY PARTNER
Each week, Monitor staff selects and interviews a local Athlete of the Week. Learn more about their accomplishments, their goals and what makes them unique. We’d like to thank our sponsor Capital City Kia.
Our partners do not participate in the selection of these athletes. That is fully at the discretion of our journalists.
Kearsarge junior Ethan St. Clair started the season with a bang. Through the end of April, he was among the best players around Division III baseball.
On the mound, the right-handed pitcher was third in strikeouts with 27 and was tied as the leading hitter with 13 hits.
Despite Kearsarge’s uphill battles against larger, more well-rounded teams, St. Clair has kept the Cougars competitive day in and day out.
The Monitor allows the previous athlete of the week to ask one question of the next athlete. Here’s that question first.
Q: “If your team is struggling or not mentally locked in, what do you do to help everyone get back into the right mindset?” – Avery Keefe, Coe-Brown
A: I’m not very vocal, so I focus on staying calm and doing my job. I try to lead by example and keep things steady, especially on the mound.
Q: Which sport is your favorite, baseball or football, and why?
A: Baseball. I like how mental and focused the game is.
Q: What’s the most challenging aspect of being a pitcher?
A: Staying locked in mentally and keeping my composure in every situation.
Q: You started the season off strong… What’s been different for you this season?
A: I’ve been more consistent and more aggressive. I trust my preparation and focus on attacking hitters.
Q: What did your off-season look like to improve?
A: I focused on throwing and cleaning up my mechanics. A lot of it was self-driven work to become more consistent.
Q: How have your coaches helped you improve?
A: They’ve supported me and given me opportunities to compete.
Q: What do you think will be the key for your team to turn the season around and break the losing streak?
A: Playing a full game, limiting mistakes, and competing every inning.
Q: Outside of sports, what interests you and what do you feel passionate about?
A: Improving and working toward my goals, especially in baseball.
Q: What’s your favorite baseball memory?
A: Winning a playoff championship with my summer team.
Q: What does it mean to represent Kearsarge for you?
A: Taking pride in competing for my team and school every time I’m on the field.
Q: What’s your favorite pitch to throw and why?
A: Fastball. I like attacking hitters and setting the tone.