Written by Calisa Reis '14

Zach Looney, a senior catcher is filled with positive thoughts as he heads into his last season of Bronco baseball. As a freshman, Looney helped contribute to the team's success and his role on the team has only increased since then. As the season nears, Santa Clara Broncos (SCB) caught up with Looney as he reflects on his experience as a Bronco and what he hopes to get out of the season.

SCB: As a freshman that came in and started 43 games, how have you developed as a player over these past three seasons? 

ZL: I think the biggest thing that I have learned is there is so much more to the game than going out and hitting, throwing, running, etc. Our coaching staff does an unbelievable job of giving us tools to improve in the mental aspects of the game, which are extremely important. I had never realized how important your attitude, preparation, and mental approach was until I came to Santa Clara. They have also done an amazing job of putting a system into place to keep us healthy whether it is lifting, sleep, academics, nutrition, or even happiness.

SCB: Which game are you most looking forward to this season?

ZL: We play an awesome schedule that includes some of the best competition in the nation. We are all excited about traveling to different parts of the country to go toe-to-toe with some of the nation's best. That being said, we want to treat each game the same and focus on playing our best baseball rather than focusing on who the opponent is.

SCB: As a student-athlete studying Civil Engineering, what is it like having to balance the two?

ZL: As I said before, our coaching staff provides us with amazing academic support. They are truly concerned with us as human beings as well as ballplayers. It is not always easy to balance the two but my experience has been very enjoyable because of the support the staff, both baseball and athletic department, and my teammates have given me.

SCB: What has been your favorite memory as a Bronco?

ZL: There are a lot of great memories from my time here. I think the ones that stand out the most were actually this fall. We got together for what we called the Dog-Pile Games. The team was divided into seven teams and each guy competed in different things like ping pong or Madden. It was really fun and extremely competitive. Another would be going as a team to see the movie Lone Survivor, which was a special experience for me.

SCB: What do you think you will take away from the experience of playing four years of Bronco baseball?

ZL: I think the biggest thing I will take away from my time here is the relationships with teammates and coaches. I have developed some life-long friendships here and am extremely grateful for that. This program has given me so much in terms of learning how to work hard for a team goal and how to react to adversity. I am very blessed to be a part of Bronco Baseball and can't wait for one more ride.