In sports, some things come naturally to people while others need to work harder than most in order to keep up. This is not in the case with Brennan Reback (12); he has a unique blend of these skills. The “unique blend” of skills that he has worked for years to improve on are what got him the opportunity to play at the next level at Central Arizona.

“He has pure, natural athletic ability, but he’s always working hard and makes sure the rest of the team is working hard. He’s a true athlete and a true competitor,” said teammate Adam Gates (12). The work ethic always seems to find it’s way on the field.

“He takes his craft seriously,” said coach Robert Fischer Becoming a next level baseball player is very important to him; you can see it because he has made a lot of adjustments to his game.”

He grew up as an avid baseball fan. Baseball has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember.

“One of my idols growing up was Derek Jeter. The way he played the game was the most professional and fun way to watch,” said Reback.

This love for the game gives him the confidence and drive to continue.

“Every day I go out and I remember why I play, and it’s always the same answer: it’s because I love the game,” said Reback.

This effort doesn’t go unnoticed. Reback is the type of player to be the first one to show up and the last one to leave. That work ethic got him looked at by college scouts.

Reback has committed to Central Arizona University to play baseball next year.

“Central Arizona is a very successful program. It has a great history with not only making MLB players but winning championships. I also fit into the way they run things extremely well,” said Reback.

The program has made a lot of MLB players– most notably, Ian Kinsler.

“The recruitment process is very stressful and long. It’s almost like a job. There is so much work involved. You need to find a way to make yourself stand out compared to the hundreds of other athletes they are looking at,” said Reback.

His decision didn’t only affect him; it affected the people around him.

“For him, it’s the right move. He is looking to play at the next level. He’s putting himself in a different time frame, compared to going to a 4-year school, [and] they are going to be expecting him to perform early,” said Fischer. “It’s going to be a really good spot to get looked at. I’m very excited for him.”

Currently, Reback is focusing on helping the Cougars win ball games. Because the team is facing a new conference this year, they are going to have to adapt to the new teams’ play styles.

“We are going in blind, not knowing what the teams are going to throw at us. We’ve got to make sure we are ready everyday,” Reback said.

This is Reback’s last year in Cougar blue, and he wants to make sure the team does as well as it can. However, he knows that this is the last time he will be able to suit up with teammates who have been on his team for years.

“I’m going to miss this team because I’ve grown up with most of these guys; we’ve been playing together for years,” said Reback.

Looking back there are a lot of things Reback is proud of during his time here at VH.

“One of my greatest accomplishments is earning the scholarship to Central. It’s something I’ve been working for my entire career. I am also proud that my team voted me team captain. It is a great honor and something I have to live up to,” said Reback. “Another one of my greatest memories was winning the sectional semi-final against Grayslake Central sophomore year.”

Fischer also remembers the younger Reback.

“Over the course of the last year, he has come a long way with maturity. If he continues to be the person and teammate he is today, he can not only be a great ball player– he can be a great person.”