I was able to get an exclusive interview with Aiden DeMello, a right-handed pitcher for the Ventura College baseball team, where we got the opportunity to get important information about the route and the diversity collegiate athletes face. While we conclude the interview with keys of keeping the electric team rolling into a successful year.
Question: What inspired you to pursue baseball at Ventura College?
Answer: Since I could remember, my number one goal in life was to play baseball at the collegiate level. Unfortunately, coming out of high school I received very little attention from 4-year universities. Feeling like my childhood dream was slipping away, I decided to pursue the “JUCO” route. I have always admired the dedication and sacrifice that junior college athletes go through. It takes a competitive mindset and a winning culture to be successful. I felt Ventura College embodied these exact things and that is what inspired me to pursue Baseball here.
Question: What major are you pursuing and why? How do you balance academics and athletics and a college athlete?
Answer: My major is Sports Journalism with a minor in Broadcasting. All my life I have been in love with anything to do with sports. Whether it was a random Tuesday night baseball game or Super Bowl Sunday, I was always excited to watch. I have also always had a knack for arguing over sports topics. Because of this passion, I decided to make a career out of it.
Being a student athlete, it is definitely hard finding time for academics. It is often challenging and burdensome to cut time away from training to finish an essay or vice versa. It really comes down to sacrifice. Sadly, I have had to cut time away from friends and family to keep my grades up. No more friday nights out with the boys and movie nights with the family have been exceedingly hard choices I have had to make to make sure I keep a high gpa.
Question: Being in your sophomore year, what are your plans academic and athletics wise after Ventura College?
Answer: My initial plan is to transfer after this semester to a 4 year university and continue to play baseball. Last season I suffered a shoulder injury early in the year that effectively ended my true freshman season. Luckily, I was granted a Medical Redshirt and received that year of eligibility back. So if I don’t receive any offers after this season, I plan to come back next year and use my last year of juco eligibility.
Question: What are the keys for success this year as a team?
Answer: The number one key for success this season is limiting the mistakes. We dropped a crucial series to a rival in Moorpark College because of foolish mistakes. The week after we played the number one team in California and played a flawless game, earning us a win. We have an extremely talented and well rounded team this season. If we are able to limit our mistakes, you will see us in playoffs come May.
Question: Why should people go to a Ventura Pirates baseball game?
Answer: We have an exciting team this year. At every position we have athletes making plans and hitting home runs. Our guys on the mound are throwing gas and striking batters out at an elite rate. Before the week we were ranked inside the top 20 teams in California. There really isn’t a reason why someone shouldn’t consider coming to a game.
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