University of Tennessee Athletics
Vol Profile - Walter Sevilla
November 28, 2001 | Baseball
Nov. 28, 2001
Vol Profile: Walter Sevilla
Vol Profile: You were drafted two years ago and had the opportunity to go pro, what influenced your decision to stay and play college baseball?
Sevilla: " I wanted to see if I could make good money by playing pro ball and maintain good status. When I saw that wasn't the case, I decided to continue my education and try Tennessee. I wanted to improve and get better and maybe get drafted higher."
Vol Profile: What influenced your decision to come to Tennessee?
Sevilla: "I would say the program. Rod Delmonico is a great coach and this is a big time school. I feel like I am going to get a lot better and I canget a lot of exposure. Plus, I'm getting my college degree at the same time."
Vol Profile: You are being compared to Augie Ojeda, how does that make you feel?
Sevilla: "Well, I'm very flattered by that because he is in the major leagues and I've got a lot to do before I get to that status."
Vol Profile: Do you have any specific goals you've set for yourself this season?
Sevilla: "Well, one of my strong points I would say is defense. I would also like to lead the team on the field. Just be a leader and contribute with my offense as best as I can."
Vol Profile: What are your expectations for the spring?
Sevilla: "For one, the pitching staff is really good. We probably have one of the best pitching staffs in the nation. We've just got to put together good chemistry on the team, especially on the defense and the infield. We've got to blossom together, just work together."
Vol Profile: How important do you think the relationships off the field are to the way you play on the field?
Sevilla: "Off the field I think we are very close. Most of my teammates live in the same building so we usually bond together, which is really good."
Vol Profile: Do you have any type of mental preparation you do before you go out on the field?
Sevilla: "Well before I go to sleep every night, before a game, I usually visualize what a pitcher might throw me or my objective is in the game."
Vol Profile: Do you have any superstitions?
Sevilla: "I have a charm I always wear for luck."
Vol Profile: After you graduate, what would you like to be remembered for?
Sevilla: "A hard worker, someone who gives it all on the field, and very disciplined. Not much of a great player, but as a role model."
Vol Profile: What's your favorite thing about UT?
Sevilla: "Coming down to the field and practicing."
Vol Profile: Do you have anyone you look to for motivation?
Sevilla: "One guy I really admire in pro-ball is Omar Vizquel. I really enjoy seeing him play and learning things about him. In college I would say Chris Burke, who played here last year. I really looked up to him, and he's taught me a few things when he visits from pro-ball."
