When deciding on where to go to college, St. John's Prep High School two-sport standout Pat Connaughton tried to figure out where he could maximize his potential both on the court and on the diamond. Turns out South Bend will be that place.
Connaughton spoke with NESN.com about his decision to attend Notre Dame and what he hopes to accomplish as a member of the Fighting Irish in the coming years.
NESN.com: Why’d you pick Notre Dame?
Pat Connaughton: It was tough, but when it came down to it, it was just being able to play two sports [baseball and basketball]. It wasn’t that they were letting me play two sports, it was that they wanted me to play two sports. That was really a big factor.
NESN.com: Who has been your biggest influence?
PC: There’s my coaches, my friends and family, but mostly my dad has been there. I've talked to him about it for countless hours, trying to figure out where to go.
NESN.com: If there’s one big leaguer you’d least like to face, who would it be?
PC: For pitchers, probably Daniel Bard. He throws kind of hard.
NESN.com: Growing up was there anyone in particular that stands out?
PC: I was always a Red Sox fan but for class acts I always thought Derek Jeter was great. He's just playing to win. Of course I never rooted for him because I don't like the Yankees, but he always played the game the way it should be played.
NESN.com: What are you going to hope to accomplish the next few years at Notre Dame?
PC: Try to get better athletically. Obviously school and everything will come because it’s such a prestigious school.
