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Nicholas Torres ’20

Baseball pitcher is from Cornwall, NY.

Baseball Pitcher | Journalism Major

Q. How old were you when you began playing your sport? Any special memories you would like to share?

A. I was around four or five years old when I first started playing tee ball. I’ve been playing baseball ever since.


Q. What made you choose Purchase College?

A. I wanted to stay within driving distance from home and the campus is in a great location, being close to White Plains and NYC. The main reason for choosing Purchase though was because of the opportunity to play college baseball. I dreamed of playing baseball in college and I was able to live it out thanks to Purchase.


Q. What year did you start playing your sport/s at Purchase?

A. Freshman year, 2016-17


Q. Highlights from your career? Awards/accolades received at Purchase?

A. I received the Most Improved Player award my junior season. I’ve had so many special moments while playing at Purchase, but my career highlight was probably throwing a complete game shutout against Mount Saint Mary College in last year’s final game. (April 29, 2020)


Q. What is your most memorable moment as a Panther?

A. My most memorable moment as a Panther was definitely sweeping Old Westbury my freshman year on Long Island. (April 9, 2017)


Q. What is the best advice a coach at Purchase gave you?

A. The best advice Coach Taraska and Coach Jurczak have given me is to not let my emotions get the best of me, and with that anyone can be a leader on the team not just the seniors.

As a freshman I was always nervous at practices and games no matter what the situation. From sophomore to senior year, I haven’t shown my emotions on the field no matter how good or bad I was doing. Also starting in sophomore year I tried my best to lead by example.

I’m not a very vocal or loud leader but I like to work hard and set a good example. I strongly believe this changed my career for the better. I can’t thank them enough.


Q. What is the most difficult part about being a student-athlete?

A. Definitely time management. It’s hard to balance a day between a game or practice, schoolwork, cooking, sleeping enough, while still being able to hang out with your friends and teammates.


Q. What motivates you to succeed both on and off the field?

A. I’m motivated by my family, friends, and coaches who always love and support me on and off the field no matter what. I could not ask for better people in my life, and I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without each of them in my life.


Q. What is your Senior Project?

A. My Senior Project is on Tommy John surgery among younger athletes.


Q. How has your Senior Project been impacted by COVID-19?

A. My senior project has been affected by the corona virus because I can no longer meet with my sources in person, and the process is now moving slower than I had hoped. It’s definitely more difficult to interview someone without doing it in person.


Q. What does post-graduation life look like for you? (travel, work, grad school, etc.)

A. I’m hoping to find a job in the sports journalism world post graduation as soon as possible.


Q. What advice would you give to incoming freshman about being a student-athlete at Purchase College?

A. My time at Purchase flew so I would tell freshman to enjoy every second of the journey. Also I would tell them to never take anything for granted and play every game like it’s your last because in some cases, like this year, you never know when your time is up.


Q. What will you miss most about Purchase College?

A. Definitely my teammates, friends, and coaches throughout my four years here.