Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Kole Ayrault

The waters have been smooth for these Sailors. Thanks in part to Kole Ayrault's strong showing at the plate, Sarasota High baseball is 14-3 this season, as of March 23. The senior first baseman/outfielder has hit a team-high .471 across 51 at-bats en route to 18 RBIs. His .541 on-base percentage and .490 slugging percentage both rank second-best among his teammates. Ayrault is the Sarasota Athlete of the Week.

What's been the source of your success at the plate?

I've been keeping everything simple. I'm really trying to go out there, hit line drives, stay through the middle of the field and that's kind of my approach right now. Just try to do my job and help the team as much as I can.

Why do you think this team has gotten off to a winning start?

We're a really hard-working group. Everything's clicking right now. The pitchers are throwing strikes, getting the job done. The fielders are doing their job, making no errors (and) making clean plays. And the hitters are coming through, doing their job.

What do you enjoy about how first-year coach Sterling Pell runs things?

I love him. He does a really great job setting us up for the future, and really making sure we're very professional and doing stuff the right way. He does a really good job of that.

How have you worked to improve your game recently?

I'm working really hard. I've been working hard in the gym, at practice — everywhere. Just really trying to focus it in. All that work's starting to come through and pay off for me.

When and why did you start playing baseball?

My dad (Joe Ayrault) used to play baseball. He played for the (Atlanta) Braves and he's coached for the (Milwaukee Brewers organization). Now, he's a field coordinator. He got me into baseball, and ever since then — when I was young — I've just been playing.

After all these years, why have you stuck with this sport?

At the age of 12, I tore my UCL. It was a rough year in my life. I (went) through a lot of stuff, back in the day, and I've just been working hard. That's what helped me stay through the grind and motivate me.

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

"Believe in yourself and trust God."

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

I'm good at ping pong. (I play with teammates) all the time — it's fun. I always own them.

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

I'd go to the Bahamas. I like being outside, I like the beach and it's just really fun over there.

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

Chicken and rice. I love it. I go to Chipotle all the time.

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

Rap music. It kind of just gets me hyped up and locked in, so I sing the words and it's fun for me.

Finish this sentence. Kole Ayrault is...

Grateful.