Delaware Sports Blitz Interview: Delaware Tech’s Matt Marandola

Photo: Delaware Technical Community College

Delaware Sports Blitz is excited to announce that every Thursday we will feature interviews from the student-athletes from Delaware Technical Community College.

The next student-athlete interview comes from Delaware Tech’s baseball team which is the first baseman, Matt Marandola.

As of March 11th, Marandola has a .409 batting average, 15 RBIs, 18 runs, 18 hits, seven doubles, 11 walks and 13 strikeouts in 14 games.

Marandola talks about everything from how he started playing baseball to what his greatest strength is on the field.

Check out it below!

Related: Delaware Sports Blitz Interview: Delaware Tech’s Corey Doran

How did you start playing sports?

“I started playing T-ball around 4 years old, and I played basketball from second grade through eighth grade. I started focusing on baseball once I got to high school. I’ve always loved the bond that goes with playing on a team.”

 What adjustments did you have to make from the jump of high school to college, regarding the sport you play?

“Time management was the biggest adjustment since I had to fit schoolwork in with workouts and practice. Doubleheaders every weekend was also a big adjustment for time management and schoolwork completion.”

 How do you keep yourself in game shape in the offseason for your sport?

“I go to a fitness center about four times a week in the offseason, and I practice baseball skills at practices during the fall to maintain my skills.”

What is the best part of playing your particular position?

“Playing first base I’m involved in almost every play. I have the chance to make my teammates look good on defense. Batting cleanup, I typically come up to bat with people on base and have a chance to add runs to the score of the game.”

 What has a former or current coach taught you, that you still use today on or off the playing field?

“Don’t live in the past, don’t let the last play or at-bat affect the next one and always stay positive.”

 What is a typical day for you when the season is in full force?

“I work out in the morning around 8:30 or 9 a.m., I have classes in the afternoon, baseball practice until 5 p.m., and another evening class.”

  What do you feel is your greatest strength?

 “I think my greatest strength is my ability to communicate with my teammates, whether they made a great play or a mistake.”

What do you feel you are weakest at and how do you work on to improve it?

“I need to improve on consistency, particularly with hitting. A few games I’m hot, a few games I’m cold. Sometimes I’ve been overaggressive when I’m hitting, which leads to me swinging at pitches that I should leave alone. I work on tee drills to stay centered in my swing.

 Describe some of the highlights of your athletic career.

“Some of my biggest highlights were travel baseball when I was around 12 years old. I was the best player on the field a lot of times, so it was fun. In high school, we won the conference championship my senior year, and I was also named second-team all-conference.”

  What is the best part of playing on a team?

“Our camaraderie. The bus rides are tough when we lose, but I have really great times with my teammates, especially after a win.”

 How do you stay motivated during the highs and lows of a season?

“The highs are easy times to stay motivated because you are just motivated by continuing to do well. The low parts of the season make games frustrating, but continuing to work hard and put yourself in a position to be successful again is important.”

 What has been the biggest challenge you have faced and how did you overcome it?

“I got benched my senior year of high school for having a slow start. I felt like I had earned the right to play, but I had to work really hard to get back into the starting lineup…then I never looked back.”

In what ways, does playing a sport, help you with your studies?

“Playing a sport keeps me motivated to stay on top of things and maintain eligibility – knowing that playing time, scholarships, etc. could be at stake if my grades slip.”

How would you like to be remembered by your teammates and coaches?

“I would like them to remember me as a hard worker, a guy who lightened the mood regardless of how the game or practice was going, and someone who constantly encouraged my teammates. ”

 Why did you choose to play at Delaware Tech?

“Coach Stu Madden reached out to me at the end of my high school career, and I took the chance to continue my athletic career. It’s been a great decision to continue playing after high school at Delaware Tech.”