Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Evan Poznanski

When he's not fine-tuning his craft at the plate or in the infield, Evan Poznanski has worked on his speed. That work paid off June 23 when the rising senior third baseman/shortstop for Sarasota Christian baseball recorded the third-fastest 60-yard dash (6.85 seconds) at Prep Baseball's West Florida Top Prospect Games. As a junior for the Blazers, he posted a .393 batting average, .525 on-base percentage, 29 RBIs and three home runs. Poznanski, known as "Poz" by his friends, is the Sarasota Athlete of the Week.

What you have been up to this summer to prepare for next season?

I've been doing speed and agility three or four times a week, then I have baseball practice once a week for my travel ball team (Bay Area Pro). We've been playing all over Florida in tournaments. We play for five days, get the week off and then we play again.

What are your goals for your senior season with Sarasota Christian?

My goals would probably be to win our district and then have five to six bombs (home runs).

When and why did you start playing baseball?

I started playing baseball when I was 2 years old. That was my first sport I ever really got into, and from there, I really developed a love for baseball. I just decided to stick with it. Even though it's a game of failure, when you do succeed, it's a really great feeling

How did you improve from sophomore to junior year?

I switched my stance from a lower-wide to a taller and better bat position. Now, I'm starting to hit balls with backspin and they're starting to fly out. Usually, they hit the wall.

What has motivated you to stick with this sport?

Really, my family. They make me want to be the best person, and I think baseball really supports growth in who you are as a person. God would also probably be a person who has helped me stay in baseball.

Which quote or piece of advice have you always carried with you?

Baseball is a game of failure. You succeed three out of 10 times. It's a sport where you can fail and still be one of the best ever. All you have to do is play the best you can.

What's a fun fact about you not many people know?

I can dunk a basketball.

Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?

Mike Trout. He's a really good person. He was a good athlete in high school, obviously got drafted and now he's a strong person to look up to.

If you could go anywhere for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?

I would probably do the Bahamas or Hawaii, just because the environment and the water looks so cool there.

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you eat and why?

In Bradenton, there's a Mexican place (Casa Blanca) that sells a chipotle pasta. It's actually really good. It's one of my favorite pastas.

What music helps you get in the zone during practice or before a game?

My No. 1 song is probably Dirty Diana by Michael Jackson.

Finish this sentence. Evan Poznanski is...

Fast.