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March 25, 2003
CHARLOTTESVILLE – Student Athlete-of-the-Month showcases athletes who have demonstrated excellence both on the playing field and in the classroom. The March Male Student Athlete-of-the-Month, fourth-year Chris Sweet, has displayed a strong work ethic in his academic and athletic endeavors. A Finance major in the Commerce School from Houston, TX, Sweet discusses his decision to remain at UVa after being drafted by the San Francisco Giants.
Q: Why did you decide to attend UVa?
A: I first began considering UVa because of its excellent academic reputation. Then, I visited The University twice my senior year, and immediately made it my first choice. I’d say that the people I met on my visits closed the deal.
Q: What, would you say, has been your biggest challenge you have faced in your four years here?
A: Switching gears from school to baseball, and vice versa. Sometimes after a tough loss, I just want to be alone and forget about everything. On the other hand, after a big win, I want to celebrate. You have to learn to control your highs and lows so they don’t affect your school mindset.
Q: What is the time commitment involved with baseball and how does it affect your schoolwork?
A: In the fall during our off season, we practice 5 or 6 days per week and up to 20 hours per week. During the season it’s a different story. Our regular season schedule alone consists of 55 games. We’ll play 1 or 2 games during the week, then play 3 every weekend. Every other weekend, we’ll travel to away series and leave Thursday afternoon and won’t return until Sunday night or Monday morning. For home games, we arrive at the field 2 hours beforehand to play a three-hour game. For away games, it’s even more considering the countless hours we log on buses and airplanes. Overall, playing college baseball demands the time of a full-time job. Balancing your school workload and baseball isn’t easy. Communication with your professors is essential. As a Commerce major, I have many group projects, and must always stay in touch with my group members. Sometimes I can’t attend meetings, but they understand as long as I put forth the effort when I’m not there.
Q: Most people don’t know that you walked onto the baseball team here at UVa, which is a great accomplishment. Had you been recruited other places, and if so, what made you decide to come to Virginia?
A: I wasn’t recruited by anyone. In fact, I thought my baseball career was over when I graduated high school. Baseball wasn’t involved in my decision to come to Virginia. After I received my admissions letter, I contacted Coach Womack and told him I wanted to play. After a trial period during fall practice, he informed me that I had earned a spot on the team.
Q: You were drafted last year, correct? Why did you decide to remain at UVa?
A: I was drafted in the 37th round by the San Francisco Giants. My decision to return to school was a “no brainer”. I came to Virginia for the education, and my baseball career must take a back seat for now. The friends I’ve met at UVa were another reason I just wasn’t ready to leave. Also, I was drafted as a pitcher, which isn’t even my first position. I see my senior season as a way to raise my stock as an outfielder and improve my prospect as a pitcher.
Q: Who has been your biggest influence and why?
A: My teammates. This season has been the most fun I’ve ever had playing the game. Probably because this year more than any, we know we can win a lot of games. Since day one in the fall, our team has come out to the field ready to play, practice, condition, or whatever we could do to improve. We play a long, hard season and are always battling adversity. But, our determination and preparation will lead to our success this year.
Q: What are your plans for after graduation?
A: I will graduate at the end of May. The Major League Baseball Draft is the first week in June. If I’m drafted, I’ll pursue a professional career for several years, trying to work my way up to the Majors. If at some point I lose the love for the game, I’ll move on and begin my job search. But until I reach my full potential, I think it would be dumb to not seize the opportunity while I’m young and still improving.