Ethan McLain

My athletic journey: I have been playing baseball since I was 9 years old. I first got into the sport because my dad taught me to throw from a young age and it became a passion.

Greatest sports achievement: Getting the opportunity to play college baseball.

Fun fact: My favorite vacations are to the Florida Keys with my family.

I’m grateful: That I get to play with my best friends. My teammates keep me motivated to always leave it all on the field.

Goals: I am committed as a pitcher to play college baseball at Daytona State College after high school and I am working hard to make sure that I make a spot on the starting roster when I am a freshman. 

Coach who made a difference: Dave Westgate has been a coach of mine since I was 13 years old. He is always pushing me to be the best I can be. I feel grateful that I get to finish out my high school career with him in the dugout. Head Coach Matulia has also set an expectation for our school and our team which wasn’t there before and that expectation has set the tone for our baseball program to continue to grow and improve. Our record the last two seasons show that improvement.

Pre-game rituals: I have a stretching routine that I like to do and my team as a whole likes to listen to music in our locker room to get hyped up before a game.

For fun: I like to play pickleball with my friends and go to the gym. 

My biggest inspiration: I would say my dad because he is always pushing me to do my best and to get better.

My message: Leadership is an extremely important part of being a senior baseball player at Mount Dora. It is important that we set the example for the younger guys so that they understand how important it is to give back to your community and how much of a brotherhood baseball is in our program. 

Photos: Nicole Hamel