Mikael does not have a video yet, but here is a SAMPLE of an NCSA professionally edited video
- Sample Video
Personal Statement
Hi, I’m Mikael Garner, Class of 2028. I currently go to Rutherford College in Auckland, New Zealand, and play baseball for the Bayside-Westhaven Wolves. I’m a right-handed pitcher, but I also play 1st and 3rd base.
My love for diamond sports started when I was 8, playing softball. After supporting NZ’s first semi-professional baseball team, the Auckland Tuatara, I switched to baseball at age 11 playing for the West City Baseball Club. In my first season, I played 1st base and catcher, and even tried pitching. Four years later, pitching has become my main focus, and I’m now primarily a starting pitcher.
Over the last few seasons, I’ve been selected for several representative teams, including the 13U and 14U Auckland teams, the 15U New Zealand 40-man squad, and the 14U Southern Cross Pac-Men team. Recently, I had the amazing opportunity to play in the USSSA World Series in Chino Hills, California, with the Pac-Men, where I was coached by former Seattle Mariners coach, Gary Wheelock. This experience was invaluable and it has inspired me and cemented my determination to play College Ball in the US.
This season, I’m challenging myself even more by not only playing in my age group (16U), but also stepping up to 19U and Premier Reserves. Playing at these higher levels will help me keep pushing my limits and prepare for the next step—college ball.
My coaches often say I’m very coachable and quick to pick up on new instructions. Working with my pitching coach, Elliot Johnstone (a former Mets-affiliate pitcher), I was able to increase my pitching velocity by 10 mph in just 8 weeks. I’m always willing to put in the work, and I bring a competitive attitude both on the field and in the classroom. I work hard to keep my grades up because I know how important a good college education is. Eventually, I’d love to become a college baseball coach and keep growing within the game.
