Category: Baller of the Month

December 2023 Baller of the Month- Nicholas Stocks

Junior #27

The Baller of the Month award is an award given monthly to a player voted on by their teammates to recognize all the hard work they have put into the team throughout the month. This month’s recipient is junior Nicholas Stocks. Here’s what he had to say:

How do you feel getting BOTM? 

It feels good to have my work and dedication recognized by my teammates.  

What are your plans to continue to improve? 

I will continue to attend all regular practices and always showing up ready to compete. 

What do you like most about the sport? 

I enjoy throwing things at other people because where else can you do that and not get in trouble? 

What are your goals that you want to see accomplished this season? 

I want to see the team win at least half of our games this semester along with going 2-1 on the first day of nationals. I also want to see myself improve my throw so I can get more outs. 

How have you felt about the season so far? 

I feel the team is progressing much better than we were last year. I have been impressed with this rookie class and the hard work and dedication they have put into this sport. I look forward to seeing the whole team improve over the upcoming semester. 

Anything else you’d like to say to the team/readers? 

Look out for the Pioneers this semester as we are hungry for some wins. Roll ‘Neers! 

Congratulations again to Nicholas Stocks on receiving the Baller of the Month award. We look forward to seeing who’s next! Go ‘Neers!

December 2023 Rookie of the Month- Dylan Taylor

Freshman #17

The Rookie of the Month award is an award given monthly to a player voted on by their teammates to recognize all the hard work they have put into the team throughout the month. This month’s recipient is freshman Dylan Taylor. Here’s what he had to say:

How do you feel about being voted ROTM?

I am glad to be voted ROTM. I have been working hard during practice and the tournament.

How do you plan on continuing to push forward?

I am planning on making it to the skills practices this coming semester.

How have you liked dodgeball so far?

I have enjoyed playing so far; it is fun and always a great time during practices. 

What skill do you plan on working on improving next?

I want to improve my blocking skills this next semester. 

What are your goals for the remainder of the season?

To become a better thrower, not just because of my speed and power in my throw but with my aim. I also want to help the team be more comfortable with each other so practices don’t have to be so drill-oriented. 

Anything else you’d like to say to the team/readers?

We may just be a bunch of band kids and nerds, but we make a great team. 

November ROTM 2023- Eric Sullivan

Freshman #18

The Rookie of the Month award is an award given monthly to a player voted on by their teammates to recognize all the hard work they have put into the team throughout the month. This month’s recipient is freshman Eric Sullivan. Here’s what he had to say:

How do you feel about being voted ROTM?

Wow that’s cool! I feel honored.

How do you plan on continuing to push forward?

I do plan on continuing to push forward and using the veteran’s knowledge and experience to help me become a better player.

How have you liked dodgeball so far?

I love dodgeball and I’m glad I joined the team this year.

What skill do you plan on working on improving next?

I plan on improving all my skills but really focus on my blocking.

What are your goals for the remainder of the season?

My goals for the remainder of the season are to let my broken finger heal and work on my throw.

Anything else you’d like to say to the team/readers?

Thanks to everyone on the team for coming to practice and making dodgeball fun and exciting!

Congrats again to Eric Sullivan! We look forward to seeing who’s next. Go ‘Neers!

November BOTM 2023- Eli Huntley

Senior #8

The Baller of the Month award is an award given monthly to a player voted on by their teammates to recognize all the hard work they have put into the team throughout the month. This month’s recipient is senior Eli Huntley. Here’s what he had to say:

1. How do you feel about getting baller of the month?

It feels good to have my level of play noticed by my teammates. It’s nice to know that they see the effort that I am putting into the team.

2. What are your plans for the future?

Since I will be graduating in 1 week, I won’t be able to play the remainder of the season, but I plan to play in the NDA over the summer.

3. What will you miss most about the sport?

I will miss hanging out with all the guys/girl at practices as well as in the hotels during away tournaments.

4. What are your goals that you want to see accomplished in the remainder of the season?

I want to see the team have a record above .500 for the spring semester.

5. How have you felt about the season so far?

The season so far is a little disappointing. I think with the team that we had we should have done a lot better. I think with a little more practice and discipline, this team can win games.

6. Anything else you’d like to say to the team/readers?

Thanks to the team for keeping me busy my last semester on the court. Roll Neers.

Congratulations again to Eli on getting the November Baller of the Month award! Eli graduates in December 2023 and plans to join the NDA. As a club we will miss him dearly and the work and time that he has put into the organization doesn’t go unnoticed. Go ‘Neers!

October ROTM 2023- Ethan Schmeling

Freshman #69

The Rookie of the Month award is an award given monthly to a player voted on by their teammates to recognize all the hard work they have put into the team throughout the month. This month’s recipient is freshman Ethan Schmeling. Here’s what he had to say:

How do you feel about being voted ROTM?

“It’s awesome! To see my teammates think I’m improving a lot and that my hard work is paying off is really rewarding.”

How are you planning on continuing your work?

“I plan to continue to work hard and show up at every practice I can.”

What skill do you plan on improving next?

“I plan on working on my grip and throwing more, they need a lot of improvement and I’m ready to learn.”

What are your goals for the remainder of the season?

“For the remainder of the year I’ll be working on getting my throwing down to a tee and getting it right all the time.”

How have you felt about the season so far?

“So far it has been amazing and I’m glad I’m doing it.”

Anything else you’d like to say to the team/readers?

“I’d like to say thanks to the whole team, and I will continue to try my hardest to get even better and become a great player on our team.”

Congrats again to Ethan Schmeling! We look forward to seeing who’s next. Go ‘Neers!

October BOTM 2023- Jalen Sims

Junior #10

The Baller of the Month award is an award given monthly to a player voted on by their teammates to recognize all the hard work they have put into the team throughout the month. This month’s recipient is junior Jalen Sims. Here’s what he had to say:

How do you feel about being voted BOTM?

“I appreciate people voting for me for BOTM, it shows I’m doing something right.”

How are you planning on continuing your work?

“I plan on being more aggressive and keep communicating with my team on the court.”

What skill do you plan on improving next?

“To improve myself I plan on getting my throw lower and more accurate, I also plan on improving my catching abilities.”

What are your goals for the remainder of the season?

“My goals for the remainder of the season are getting one catch a game and throwing less catches”

How have you felt about the season so far?

“I’ve felt pretty good about the season so far. We have a great roster this season with a lot of talented rookies that improve every practice.”

Anything else you’d like to say to the team/readers?

“Once again, thank you for voting me BOTM”

Congrats again to Jalen Sims! We look forward to seeing who’s next. Go ‘Neers!

September 2023 Baller of the Month- Caleb Laux

Photo Credit: Andy McNeill

The Baller of the Month award is an award given monthly to a player voted on by their teammates to recognize all the hard work they have put into the team throughout the month. This month’s recipient is senior Caleb Laux. Here’s what he had to say:

Q: How do you feel about receiving the BOTM award?

A: Glad, but excited to see who else steps it up this season.

Q: How are you planning on continuing going forward?

A: My job this year is to be a leader on the court, getting better at communication and having a presence on the court is where I will gain the most from this year.

The following are some thoughts from our team captains on Caleb as a player.

Tomas Zander– Caleb Laux is developing into quite the leader. His teammates clearly trust him on the court. He leads by example and by being a vocal leader. Laux has also developed his accuracy this last season. When he combines his speed with that accuracy he will become a nightmare for teams.

Nicholas Stocks– At the end of last season, Caleb developed his throw to be one of the best on the team and it has transferred to this season. He will be someone to watch out for on the court because along with a hard throw he can run up quick on a player. He’s also the club’s vice president and has been doing a fantastic work for the club behind the scenes. On and off the court he has been a great guy to play and work with.

Congrats again to Caleb Laux! We look forward to see who’s next. Go ‘Neers!