University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Q&A with Baseball Senior Nick Johnson
1/29/2016 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- With the 2016 season just around the corner, Golden Eagle fans have the opportunity to get to know redshirt senior Nick Johnson. He is a Ridgeland, Miss. native who is a three-year letterwinner on the mound for the Southern Miss baseball team.
What brought you to Southern Miss?
I like the family atmosphere the University has and the tradition rich baseball program. I am from Jackson, so the proximity to home also had a lot to do with.
What is your favorite home cooked meal?
Any type of pasta dish.
Prior to a game, do you have any superstitions or rituals?
Not really. I'm not a very superstitious guy.
During your career as an athlete, do you consider one person as your mentor, maybe a coach?
My offensive coordinator in high school, Jason Cook, had a huge influence on my life inside and outside of sports. I look up to him a lot.
What drives you as an athlete?
The competition the game brings.
What type of player do you consider yourself to be?
Intense competitor.
How has Southern Miss impacted your life since you started here?
I have learned to manage my time between school and baseball.
Favorite thing to do outside of athletics?
Listen to music and hangout.
How did you manage to get into your sport?
My dad signed me up for rec ball when I was little.
Biggest difference between high school and collegiate athletics?
The speed of the game, and of course, the talent level. Everyone on your team was the best player on their high school team.
Where did you get the passion for your sport?
I grew up in a community where baseball was a pretty big sport.
What was the deciding factor that made you choose to come Southern Miss?
The class I was a part of when I signed was very talented, and I already knew some of the guys that were in the signing class.
Outside of electronics, what is your most important possession?
My boots.
You walk into a convenience store and can only buy one item, what is it?
Beef jerky.
Where would you want to go on a vacation if money was no option?
Horseback riding and camping in the Rockies.
Last song you listened to:
American Kids -- Kenny Chesney
Top 3 songs you play in your music?
Life's Been Good -- Joe Walsh
Everything but You -- Kip Moore
Parachute -- Chris Stapleton
What was the most adventurous thing you have done in the past year?
Hiking in Torrey Pines State Park in San Diego, Calif.
If you could choose a super power, what would it be? Why?
Super speed because I could go wherever I wanted, and time would not be an issue. It would also cut down on transportation costs.
The Southern Miss baseball team begins the 2016 campaign at The Pete on Friday, Feb. 19 as the Golden Eagles host Eastern Illinois in a three-game weekend series.
