Unveiling Bennett Skinner's Journey to the Gophers
Baseball Commitment and Family Ties
For Bennett, committing to play for the Gophers holds great meaning. Having his family at his games and his little brother watching him at the next level is a source of pride. It allows him to represent his home state and be a role model. His love for the game has been nurtured by his family, with his dad and older brother having played college baseball. This has fueled his passion and determination to pursue baseball at a higher level.Being part of the Gopher team feels like a home to him. The coaching staff creates a family atmosphere where everyone has the same goal of winning championships and getting better every day. Coach McDevitt's coaching style has drawn Bennett in, as he emphasizes the importance of teamwork and individual growth.
Transition from Basketball to Baseball
Growing up, basketball was Bennett's sport. However, seeing his older brother commit to play D1 baseball and his dad's college baseball experience changed his perspective. It was a turning point when he realized that baseball was his calling. Now, he balances playing varsity basketball with baseball by getting up early to lift and dedicating extra time to baseball after practices.He credits his family for helping him develop as a baseball player. Their knowledge and support have enhanced his love for the game and given him the confidence to pursue it at a high level.
Skills and Expectations as a Gopher
Bennett describes himself as a well-rounded baseball player. As a teammate, he takes pride in being a good leader, whether the team is winning or losing. On the offensive side, he has strong hitting tools and is a good contact player with a sneaky side of power. Defensively, he can play multiple positions effectively, especially as a short stop and second baseman.He is excited to represent his home state and be part of a family-oriented program. The coaching staff's support and the sense of community make him believe that the Gophers will be a great fit for him and help him continue to improve.
Balancing Multiple Sports
Managing two high-level sports requires dedication and discipline. Bennett has learned to balance his time by getting up early and putting in extra effort in both basketball and baseball. He understands the importance of taking care of his body and maintaining a consistent work ethic to perform at a high level in both sports.He sees the value in being able to do both and is committed to giving his best in each sport.
Motivation and Future Goals
Bennett doesn't have a specific quote that motivates him every day, but he lives by the principles of being the best version of himself and getting 1% better each day. This mindset has helped him stay focused and driven in his baseball journey.Looking ahead, he is excited to continue his baseball career at the University of Minnesota and make his mark on the team. He knows that with hard work and determination, he can achieve his goals and represent his home state with pride.