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BHN Zach Shields

Baseball Tom Riordan

Behind The Number: Zach Shields

With the season just around the corner, we'll take a look at the UNCW baseball program and the players who make up the roster.

The Seahawks welcome newcomer Zach Shields to the program after he helped lead Spartanburg Methodist to consecutive JUCO World Series appearances in 2013 and 2014. From all indications, Zach will be an exciting player to watch during his career at UNCW.

The Seahawks open the 2015 season with Richmond on Feb. 13, as part of the Buffalo Wild Wings Battle at the Beach Classic.
UNCWSPORTS.COM: Why did you choose to attend UNCW?
ZS: Wilmington is a nice area in general and close to the beach. Also, I saw it was a great opportunity to further my education as a student and be surrounded by great coaches and be apart of a great baseball program.

UNCWSPORTS.COM:  Describe a moment when you felt the most Seahawk pride.
ZS: I have more than one moment where I felt pride. The first moment is when our team went one weekend and helped with the Miracle League. Putting smiles on their faces was priceless. Second was when I signed my Letter of Intent to officially become apart of Seahawk Nation.

UNCWSPORTS.COM: Take us through your pre-game mental preparation routine.
ZS: Before every game, I listen to the same Lil Wayne mixtape that puts me in game mode. I make sure I put my uniform on a specific way, every time. I also make sure I go through the same on-field routine and repeat.

UNCWSPORTS.COM: What are some community activities you or your team have done?
ZS: Miracle League and our annual golf tournament.

UNCWSPORTS.COM: What is your intended or declared major and why did you choose that major?
ZS: I'm double majoring in Business and Sociology. I want to be an accountant in the future and choose sociology because I would like to help people in life as well. 

UNCWSPORTS.COM: Describe your dream job:
ZS: My dream job would be playing in the Major Leagues one day

UNCWSPORTS.COM: Favorite team tradition/activity and why?
ZS: Our team's prayer because without the Man Above, none of us would have the opportunity to showcase our talent to be able to play the game we all love.

UNCWSPORTS.COM: Which teammate will have the most interesting job in 10 years and why?
ZS:I truly believe Andy Austin's going to have his TV show about hunting and singing. All he does is sing and talk about hunting, both on the field and in the fieldhouse.

UNCWSPORTS.COM: What animal would best describe you and why?
ZS: A lion because it's fierce and fearless and when I'm on the field I am the same way. You can't play the game of baseball scared.
 
UNCWSPORTS.COM: What is your favorite quote or phrase?
ZS: "It's not about the money, cars, jewelry. It's about the struggle, sacrifice, and hope showing that you can make it in the world that says you can't."

UNCWSPORTS.COM: What is your favorite type of food (i.e. Chinese, Mexican, Italian etc.)?
ZS: Japanese

UNCWSPORTS.COM: Favorite place you have visited or traveled to and why?
ZS: Hawaii, it's a nice place to relax and be stress-free. The weather is just lovely and of course, the beautiful women.

UNCWSPORTS.COM: If you could sit down for lunch with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
ZS: If he were still alive I would choose Jackie Robinson just so I could hear his stories about how he battled with all the adversity and still managed to stay focused and be successful. 

UNCWSPORTS.COM: Most addicting television show?
ZS: Sons of Anarchy

UNCWSPORTS.COM: How will you change the world (or even just one person's world)?
ZS: I would take part in blood donations. A lot of countries are struggling with record-lows in blood storages (US, Canada, etc). I would try and get more people involved to help save those who are in need of donations.

UNCWSPORTS.COM: Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know …
ZS: I hate being on rollercoasters. I'm not afraid of heights, I just hate rollercoasters and you can thank the movie Final Destination that fear. 

UNCWSPORTS.COM: What is number one on your bucket list and why?
ZS: To travel to either Brazil or Colombia.

UNCWSPORTS.COM: What is your best non-athletic skill?
ZS: Eating, I enjoy food.

UNCWSPORTS.COM: Favorite person to follow on Twitter?
ZS: Dee Gordon

UNCWSPORTS.COM: What is your biggest pet peeve and why?
ZS: Someone who always have an excuse for not doing something.

UNCWSPORTS.COM: What is something you are afraid of?
ZS: Snakes
 
UNCWSPORTS.COM: What is an obstacle you had to overcome in your life?
ZS: Having to sit out year and half of high school baseball made me realize how much I missed the game of baseball.
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Players Mentioned

Andy Austin

#32 Andy Austin

IF/OF
6' 2"
Junior
L/R
Zach Shields

#2 Zach Shields

OF
6' 2"
Junior
L/R

Players Mentioned

Andy Austin

#32 Andy Austin

6' 2"
Junior
L/R
IF/OF
Zach Shields

#2 Zach Shields

6' 2"
Junior
L/R
OF