Elon freshmen face stiff transition to college ball
Division I baseball means high competition, fast speed and elite talent. Transitioning from the high school level to Division I standards is an adjustment that all Elon varsity athletes must make in their first year of college. Thirteen new players will join the Phoenix baseball team this season, filling the shoes of recent graduates. A combination of work ethic and ability along with experience that will come in the next few months will morph these young players into college athletes. “They’ve got to grow up fast,” head coach Mike Kennedy said. “They’re going to be in for a rude awakening in terms of the energy level that it takes to play at this level.” Energy is only one factor that freshmen players must embrace at the college level. They must also adapt to changes that come with differing practice methods, managing time off of the field and dealing with being a full-time student athlete. “You can definitely tell there’s a transition from the speed of the game from high school to college,” said junior outfielder Niko Fraser. “Sometimes it takes a little bit longer to adjust.” Elon has been practicing for weeks in preparation for the upcoming season, working the freshmen onto the field.
