From the Future: Dear Freshman Connor...

Dear Freshman Connor,

I know you feel quite high and mighty coming into a Division 1 program, but do not forget what Dad has always told you... "You don't know everything!" In fact, there's a saying that I recently heard that applies to the approach you should be taking coming into your freshman year. Unfortunately there are some inappropriate words in it, but the bottom line is: you aren't in high school anymore. Come into Lehigh ready to work and earn your spot in the classroom and on the field. Trust what got you here. It's simple until you make it complicated. There are a few things I want you to know going into college.

Number 1: Be proud of what you have accomplished. It will stay with you for the rest of your life. No one can take away what you went through. However, don't want or expect people to understand. You hold that pain deep down and use it to drive you to be the best because we both know anything but the best is not good enough. However, it's time to move on. You aren't superman. You're going to get hurt plenty more times unfortunately. Respond like a winner. Now, you've committed to the art of baseball. We know you have the physical talent to be at this level. Yet, for the first time in your life, your physical talent will not get you anywhere. Which leads me to my next point…

Number 2: RELAX. Learn the right mental approach to the game. Learn how to control your emotions. Always have them in check. You will figure out ways to cope with your anger, but visually showing it is never an option. Think of these three R's: Reset, Relax, and Remember. Reset your mind from the previous poor at bat. Relax your body by breathing. And remember there's a reason you are where you are now. Be able to look your opponent in the eye and know you've worked harder than he has. Your success is completely dependent on what goes on in your head the next 4 years. You will fail more than you succeed. WAY more. I can't even put a number on how many times you will fail. But, how you respond dictates the kind of competitor you will be. Don't be soft.

Number 3: You are a student before an athlete. You're not going pro. I don't want to spoil the surprise, but you have a great job lined up. And guess what? It's not in the Valley! 22 years and you finally made it out. You excelled in the classroom in high school. Take that confidence into the classroom at Lehigh. Always be open to learn.

Number 4: Stay true to yourself. You'll meet an inspirational leader and mentor named Julie Sterrett. Her leadership programs will make you a great leader. If you're open to grow as a person and learn from your mistakes, you will excel. Hear this right now: You're not a good leader right now. You have a ton of potential, but right now you have no idea what you're doing. Know your role. Earn your spot. Trust Coach Leary and Julie. They have a plan. Emerging Leaders and Leadership Legacies will change your life. Constructive criticism is the best kind of learning out there. If you take it personally, you lose the opportunity to grow as a person. However, all that being said remember where you came from. Figure out a way to bring your football mentality onto the baseball field. Coach and Julie will give you ideas, but it's your job to accept the challenges. Your high school coaches did an outstanding job teaching you the ins and outs of tough love and how to win. Winning is everything. Be proud to believe that. How will you bring that to Lehigh?

Number 5: The most important thing is family. They are your rock. Without them, you would be nowhere. Your parents, best friends, relatives, and high school coaches will be there no matter what. Get ready for your family to grow because my God do you meet some of the greatest people in your life here. These amazing friends will make an incredible impact on your life. Cherish them. Respect them. Love them.

I'll leave you with three slogans that will change your life forever:

LUBE til I die, L&R, Family First,

Senior Connor

Lehigh University Athletics

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