College Commits: Nate Glapa

Photos by Roberta Pratt.

Izzy Pack

Nate Glapa, currently a senior at Hamilton, has been playing baseball for ten years. He recently committed to playing college baseball at UW Lacrosse. 

Glapa’s teammate, Senior Luke Lehnen says about him, “Nate is a very hard-worker; he is someone that you will always see determined to be his best.” 

His current high school coach, Coach Schramek, also says about Glapa: “Nate love's the game of baseball and works as hard as he can to be the best player he can be.”

Read more to hear from Glapa:

How long have you been playing?

I have been playing baseball my entire life but I really started playing actual games when I was 8 years old.

What is your favorite memory from baseball?

My favorite baseball memory was my sophomore year summer when my travel team went to Cincinnati for the week and won that tournament. We played 9 games total, the city was a super fun environment and my teammates and I really enjoyed the nice hotel we stayed at. 

What do you think is your favorite/best baseball goal you've accomplished? 

My best baseball goal I've accomplished is committing to play baseball. I've always hoped and dreamed to be able to have this opportunity and I'm very blessed and excited to have been given it. 

What will you miss most about playing for Hamilton?

I will miss all the memories I've made playing on this team for 4 years now. I have really enjoyed all the moments on the bus and outside the field with the team bonding as well as the moments in the dugouts. 

How has baseball impacted your life?

Baseball has only had a positive impact on my life and has provided me with a space to be able to be myself and allow myself to step away from the world and just have fun and be a part of something I love and work so hard at. 

What is one lesson you've learned from baseball? 

One lesson that I have learned from baseball is the importance of attitude and mindset. Having a positive attitude and mindset in not only baseball but everything in life will only cause you to think positively and will translate in what you do. You cannot go into something thinking something poor will come from it because you aren't in the right mindset then.

What was the recruitment process like for you?

The recruitment process was crazy. I was in contact with many schools, some big and some small but once the NCAA made the rules it almost put a stop on recruiting for me and everyone else in my class. This was tough to understand and be patient with but I trusted God and his plan and things worked out for me this August when I received my first offer. 

What is one thing that a coach has told you that you will carry into playing in college? 

One thing my coaches have told me and have always expected from me to carry with myself to whatever team I play for is my leadership. I really love being a leader and think that having a leader on a team helps the team because when the team is down it only takes one player to start the train back up again. Everyone in life on a team or in the workforce should strive to be a leader because it only helps get people back on track. 

What advice do you have for younger players? 

My advice to young players would be to have fun and enjoy every moment. I was always wishing for the next year because I meant I was one step closer to being recruited. However, reflecting back on it I really miss all the memories with my team winning, hanging out, and practicing together because those are the moments that stick with me. Have fun and play in the moment. 

What are you most excited about next year playing for UW Lacrosse ?

I am most excited about the winning culture they strive for. The baseball team is a very successful team and is one of the top Division 3 programs in the nation. I am really looking forward to being a part of that winning culture. 

Is there anyone you’d like to give a positive shoutout to who has been instrumental in your journey?

I would like to give a shoutout to my parents who have given up so much of their time, money, and support to help me become the player I am today. Without them and their guidance I wouldn't be in this position today. I love my parents so much because they give me and all my siblings everything to help us accomplish our dreams and I'm nothing but thankful for them.