Athlete of the Week: Nolan Maroth, Winter Garden Squeeze

Nolan Maroth, a West Orange High alum and current student-athlete at the University of Tennessee, is a right-handed pitcher in his second season participating in the Florida Collegiate Summer League — first playing for his hometown Winter Garden Squeeze. 

The 6-foot-3 college junior has made two appearances this season, both lasting four innings. In his opening appearance against the Orlando Snappers, the local kid served up six strikeouts and allowed just one run. 

The Basic

Age: 20

Sport: Baseball

Alma mater: West Orange High

College: University of Tennessee 

Team: Winter Garden Squeeze

Q&A

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?

I feel proud and honored. I get to represent a lot of people — from old high school teammates at West Orange to my teammates back in Tennessee and, of course, my current teammates for the summer. It just reflects the work my team and I put in day in and day out trying to better ourselves.

What do you enjoy the most about baseball?

I enjoy competing the most. Every pitch is a battle, and in the end, I want to come off the mound feeling like I won the war.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from baseball?

Learning how to play as a team not only on the field but also off of it, and staying within myself to continue to get better every day.

How have you enjoyed coming home and playing for the Winter Garden Squeeze?

It’s been awesome. Our team has meshed quickly, and we’ve had a super fun atmosphere so far this summer. Also, being home with my family and seeing them after being out of state for months — it’s special.

What is your favorite high school baseball memory?

My best high school memory would be throwing back-to-back complete games against Montverde Academy and East Ridge High. I really broke out for the rest of that season and proved to myself I could always compete.

What is your favorite subject in school?

Math, just because I am a huge numbers guy and enjoy implementing what I learn into baseball, life and whenever it comes up. I also think it’s the most applicable subject to real life.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?

Some kind of weapon so I could defend myself, a water filtration device and a dog to keep me company.

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?

I would go back to ancient Greece and Rome. I think life back then was way ahead of its time, and I could learn a lot from how they lived their lives.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t stress about the final destination and be more invested in the process, because every moment, good or bad, is something to learn from and cherish.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?

I would ask what my favorite memory is from this point in my life, because hopefully right now, I am living life to where I can look back and be proud.

Who is your favorite superhero?

Batman, because his movies are the best and his character is something everybody can get behind. 

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Super speed, because I could throw a fastball harder than anyone else in the world.

If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?

Iceland or Sweden, because I’ve always wanted to visit a Northern European country and see the views, and Alaska, because it would be similar to the other two, but I wouldn’t need a passport.

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be?

Some kind of eagle or falcon — for the ability to fly, as well as being a predator.

What is your most controversial food take?

Ketchup only belongs on “normal” things (such as) burgers, hot dogs or fries. Not other foods (such as) mac and cheese, vegetables or anything else.

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

I am not a fan, but it’s not a deal-breaker.