Every now and then, we catch up with college-bound athletes from Carroll High School. This week, we chatted with Matthew Canterino, pitcher for the Dragons, who heads to Rice University to continue his athletic endeavors next year.
Southlake Style: Why did you choose this school over others you were offered?
Matthew Canterino: The quality of the education provided at Rice ranks among the top in the nation and is something I would love to study in.
SS: Tell us the story of how you got started in the sport of baseball, when you fell in love with it, and when you realized you were good enough to play at the next level.
Canterino: My dad introduced me to the sport when I was 4 and I have not gone a season without playing it since then. I fell in love with the game because I think it is a sport that relies more on thinking than brute force. It's usually the most technically balanced person who wins, not the strongest. I realized I was good enough to play college baseball when college coaches started asking me for information so they could recruit me, not when I emailed them to attempt to be recruited.
SS: Do you know what your major/focus will be and/or your future career path? Why are you pursuing it?
Canterino: I will most likely be pursing a degree in mechanical engineering because I have always been a math and science driven student and I have enjoyed the physics classes that I've taken over the past two years tremendously.
SS: List your favorite memory (or memories) at Carroll ISD, both on and off the baseball field.
Canterino: For baseball, my favorite memories were when we beat Coppell in the third round of playoffs in 2015, even though we had lost to them twice during district play, and when I signed with Rice University on National Signing Day. As for a school memory, my favorite is being able to graduate in the top 10% of my class.
SS: Name some of your mentors / key influencers in your baseball career (and why).
Canterino: My dad has been the biggest influence in my baseball career because he was the person that introduced me to the sport as well as the one who taught me most of my general knowledge regarding the game. Not far behind is my mom, who has supported me immensely along the way. Together they have been the most consistently present persons during my career.
SS: Favorite baseball player of all time (and why).
Canterino: Derek Jeter because he is known as one of the greatest players on the field as well as an equally admirable person in the community outside of baseball.
SS: Shout outs and thank yous to anyone special in your life, and any last things you'd like to add.
Canterino: I really want to thank my parents for always being there for me, from T-ball until college baseball, I am grateful for you both beyond words. I also want to thank all of my coaches that I have had the privilege of playing under over the years, as I would not be the player I am today without them. Lastly, thanks to all of my teammates for always pushing me to become a better player.
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