Christopher Gonzales '16 Recruiting Profile

I stepped onto the baseball field at the age of six; from the time I picked up a glove, bat, and ball I knew baseball would always be in my life.  I love the strategic aspect of the game, the smell of the fresh cut grass, the sound of the fans as they cheer for their teams, and the feeling of having either a bat in my hand or a glove on my hand.

As I started to grow as a person and in the game I discovered early on I wanted to play baseball at the highest level I could push myself to play.  Realistically I knew it would be challenging and competitive.  I decided to do what I could to make myself the most competitive player possible so I started practicing and working in any position my coaches would allow me to play.  Throughout my baseball career I have developed my skills in pitching, outfield, catching, third base, and middle infield.  My primary and secondary strengths reflect in my infield work and abilities in hitting. 

On the field I am focused, driven, and a team player.  I strive to empower my teammates and contribute where I am needed on the field.  In the classroom I work hard and continue to increase my GPA.  The feedback I receive from my coaches is they like that I am a strong utility player but more importantly they like that I work hard in the classroom and always strive to do my best on and off the field. 

I feel my ability and skills on the field and in the classroom come not only from my hard work but also from the support of my parents, family, coaches, and community.  I believe the investment I have received from so many others is a gift that should not stop with me; it needs to be paid forward.  To pay it forward I have participated in several charitable activities with my current and previous teams such as Feed My Starving Children, Christmas Angels, a volunteer at the Vision Walk for setup/take down, and the Pat Tillman Run.  I also have volunteered with my community’s local little league as an umpire and an assistant coach. 

As I move into the next stage of my life and career in baseball I would like to play at the collegiate level.  My desire is to get into a college with a strong Engineering program and a strong baseball program.  I feel it is important I find a school offering both an engineering program and baseball program so I can focus on my academics while fulfilling my passion for baseball.  I believe focusing on my academic and athletic goals will put me into a position to lead by example, be a role model for athletes in my community, and accomplish my personal goals.