By Samantha Reid
samonthetorch@gmail.com

Name: Mike Czarnik
Sport: Baseball
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Palatine, Ill.
Major: Psychology
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 225
Position(s): Designated Hitter; Catcher

Q: What are you most excited for going into this season?
A: Having a group of guys who all have the mindset to win.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge the team faces this season?
A: Overcoming player injuries.

Q: What’s your walk-up song this season?
A: “Pop a Top Off” by Chase Rice

Q: What is your best memory of Lakers baseball so far?
A: Probably being recruited here out of high school and coming to meet the team.

Q: What made you decide to play baseball in college?
A: I played baseball and football in high school, but I decided to pursue baseball further so I could continue playing the sport that I love.

Q: How did you get started in baseball?
A: I’ve been playing since I was four years old.

Q: Who are some players or people you looked up to growing up, or that you look up to now?
A: It’s not really professional players for me, but my dad and my grandfather. My grandfather played baseball for the Cubs AAA team.

Q: Where does the team practice and play?
A: Standard Bank Stadium in Crestwood, Ill.

Q: How do you balance your baseball schedule with school?
A: I try to plan out my school schedule ahead of time as much as I can.

Q: When you aren’t playing baseball, what are you doing?
A: Usually catching up on class work, eating and watching Netflix.

Q: When you’re done with college, what’s your dream career?
A: I’m a psychology major, and I want to be a counselor for kids and adolescents.