2020 Senior Spotlight: Andrew Lewis

Due to the current coronavirus situation and all sports being shut down, there are a lot of athletes who have had their senior seasons cut short. ENC Sports Review thought it would be nice to highlight some of these seniors as a small way to celebrate their senior year, since so much has been taken from them already. Today, we will highlight Faith Christian School Senior Andrew Lewis. We thank Andrew for taking the time to sit down with ENC Sports Review and answer these questions for us. We had fun learning more about him and hope you will too!

How long have you been playing sports?

Growing up my brother, Ben Lewis, was always working hard every day to be the best athlete he possibly could. It’s because of him that I found my passion for baseball at such a young age.

What teams have you been on? (This can be rec ball, middle school and high school)

I have been on the RM All-Star team (coached by Ivey Powell and Johnny Ramsey), Tar-Rivercats (coached by Ivey Powell), Ironhorses (coached by Greg Clifton) and for Faith Christian School on JV (7-9)(coached by Mike Pannell and Marcus Taylor) and Varsity (10-12)(coached by Greg Clifton, Al Carter, Ronnie Beddingfield, and Mike Pannell) 

Who has been your favorite coach and what did he or she teach you that you carry with you through today?

All of my coaches have been equally helpful on the field and in everyday life. I’ve been blessed to have coaches throughout my life that coached me to grow as a player, but also a person. If baseball is being coached right, you will come out of your career a more honorable and respectful man. If you ask Coach Beddingfield how he is, he will almost always reply “Blessed to be living the dream.” I’m blessed to have such impactful and encouraging coaches throughout my life. 

What is your favorite memory and least favorite memory of playing sports?

My favorite memory is by far winning the state championship in ‘17 and ‘18. Seeing the countless hours of preparation in the heat and snow (literally) come together to make a statement in this city and even state has been such an incredible and rewarding experience. My least favorite memory is all of the unexpected lasts. The last time putting on my jersey and riding on the bus, the last in-and-out, the last at bat, the last prayer after a game, even the last sprints. I will miss every second of baseball, even the bad moments. 

What is one thing or event that if you could do over again you would change?

If I could change one thing, it would be to take better care of my arm. Two summers ago, I tore a ligament that connects my bicep to my shoulder from pitching. I overused what I had going for me at the time, and I deeply regret that. 

Who is someone you look up to and why?

Someone I look up to is Ben Lewis. Like I said before, he was such a role model to our whole program. Seven days a week he would be on that field and in that cage, working to get better, and making every drill count. His senior team won the first State Championship for our school, and the mindset and goal has stayed the same ever since. 

If you could go back 5 years and tell yourself something then that you know now what would it be?

I would tell myself to savor every game, every practice, and every team. Your teammates become your family, and I wish I would have savored every moment I had with them. I love those guys. 

What is something you would tell someone trying to follow in your footsteps?

“Find something to be doing to make yourself 1% better every day.” -Coach Beddingfield 

“Excuses or results… you can’t have both” -Coach Clifton 

“Do everything for the person beside you, not for yourself.” -Coach B 

If you have played your last high school game, what is something that you will remember for the rest of your life?

The everyday grind that I got to do with my teammates who became my family and working alongside my Shake n Bake buddy, Brayden Leonard, every day. I will always remember the bond and the amazing experiences that this sport, team, and program, has given me. I am so thankful to be able to say I was a part of Patriot Baseball.

 

Thank you again, Andrew Lewis, for taking the time to be one of our 2020 senior spotlights. We wish you well on all of your future endeavors.

Attention 2020 Seniors: If you are interested in possibly being our next spotlight, please inbox us with a picture of you (head shot or action shot, or multiple pictures), your name, school, sports/positions played and answers to some or all of the questions above.

Note: All photographs have been contributed to this post from the senior’s family.