David Park, student-athlete spotlight for January, dreams of playing minor league baseball or possibly the pros.
David is an eighth-grade student at New Century Middle School in Carthage. He was nominated by his basketball coach Aaron Hackett.
David not only plays center and power forward for the basketball team but is also a utility player and catcher for the baseball team.
“If I would have to choose, baseball would be my favorite,” said David. “I grew up around it and have played it since I was young. I remember on my travel baseball team one year that we were down by three in a championship game. The other team was trash-talking, and coaches were stealing our signs, yet we fought against the odds to win. That would be one of my greatest memories.”
David moved to Moore County almost 10 years ago. Originally from Missouri, he grew up watching the St. Louis Cardinals. His favorite collegiate team is Duke.
With dreams of playing professional ball, David speaks a lot about the mental aspect of the game. “Always getting one percent better” is something David says to himself while training and working to achieve his dreams.
He will attend Union Pines High School, where he plans to play varsity baseball and JV basketball.
“I look forward to moving up next year,” David said. “I remember in sixth grade moving to a bigger playing field; that experience is exciting. I like the full experience of advancing to the next level.”
Among being a two-sport athlete in middle school, David is the president of the National Beta Club, plays violin in school orchestra and in the Moore Philharmonic Orchestra. This doesn’t leave much spare time, but he enjoys working out, cooking, and playing his instrument.
The New Century basketball team finished 7-3 and won their division.
“Coach Hackett, at first look, seems intimidating,” said David. “He teaches his players little things that are great things. Things I thought I knew but didn’t know, and gave me new perspective on the game. He showed me how to play basketball the correct way.”
David and the Centurions are about to start baseball this month.
“I hope to improve at catcher, my hitting skills, and my mental game this year,” added David. “I’ve learned baseball is mostly mental and a little physical. I work hard to make sure I keep my mind sharp.”
To nominate a student-athlete to be featured in this series, please email [email protected].
Photo: David Park/Contributed.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter Curtis Self.
