Division III baseball is built on balance. Between practices, travel, workouts, and game days, student-athletes are expected to compete at a high level while staying focused in the classroom. For pitcher Connor Burkestone, that balance comes down to discipline, time management, and keeping the same mindset both on the mound and in school.
“Being a D3 athlete means you have to be all in with everything you do,” Burkestone said. “You can’t just focus on baseball or just focus on school. You have to learn how to manage both.”
Burkestone says preparation is the key to handling the demands of being a college athlete. Whether it’s studying before a road trip, getting assignments done early, or sticking to a routine during the season, he believes staying organized helps him perform both academically and athletically.
“Baseball teaches you accountability,” he said. “If I’m not prepared in class, it affects my grades. If I’m not prepared on the mound, it affects my team. The habits really go hand in hand.”
As a pitcher, Burkestone knows the importance of staying mentally focused. He says the same mindset he uses during games carries over into the classroom, staying calm under pressure, trusting preparation, and taking things one step at a time.
“On the mound, you can’t think too far ahead,” Burkestone explained. “It’s the same with school. You focus on the next pitch, the next assignment, the next day, and eventually everything adds up.”
While the schedule can be demanding, Burkestone says competing at the Division III level has helped him grow beyond baseball. From building relationships with teammates to learning responsibility and leadership, he believes the experience is preparing him for life after college.
“At the end of the day, baseball won’t last forever,” Burkestone said. “But the lessons you learn from balancing athletics and academics definitely will.”