Senior Spotlight: Baseball's Brady Topper
By: Frank Maira, Assistant Director of Athletics/Sports Information Director
MONT ALTO, Pa. - Senior Spotlight: This Q&A series will feature 2020 Penn State Mont Alto spring senior student-athletes and the impact COVID-19 has had on their season.
Name: Brady Topper
Campus: Mont Alto
Sport: Baseball
Primary Position: 3B
Hometown/High School: Littlestown, Pa. / Littlestown
Major: Business
Academic & Athletic Achievements: 2019-PSUAC Spring All-Academic, 2019-USCAA All-American, 2018-USCAA All-American, 2018-PSUAC First Team, 2017-USCAA All-American, 2017-PSUAC Newcomer of the Year, 2017-PSUAC Second Team and 2017 PSUAC Champions.
- What impact did athletics have on your experience as a college student?
Every student-athlete knows that athletics is what drives you in college. One example that comes to mind, is getting a good grade in your last semester so that you are eligible the next semester to play baseball or the sport you play. It motivates me in the classroom knowing that I get to play baseball afterwards. Playing this sport in college has helped me with time management since I know I have to get this paper done so I can play baseball, and if I don't get it done, I won't be able to attend baseball practice or even the game. So, it did really put a toll on me that I could be letting everyone down on the team, the coaches and even my teammates if I don't get the best grades possible.
- What advice do you have for your younger teammates or recruits that are looking at coming to Penn State Mont Alto and playing baseball?
Some advice that I would give for the younger recruits coming to Penn State Mont Alto would have to be support your teammates and coaches. Gain everyone's respect by doing the stuff that most don't want to do. So, for example, you gain respect from your older teammates (while you're not in the lineup) by chasing foul balls, sprint after everything, especially getting on and off the field. Do not backtalk anybody and like I said respect the coaches that is the main thing that will get everyone's attention. They'll know that you're here ready to play and it will get a good look at what you are as a person. My second biggest thing would just be to know schoolwork comes first. Don't prioritize baseball even though it could be your main thing, schoolwork comes first and is what allows you to play baseball at this level.
- Are there teammates, coaches or family members you would like to thank for having a positive impact on your playing career?
Huge thank you to my parents, the ones who made me into the person I am today. I could not thank you two enough for your love and support. Thank you to my girlfriend who has supported me even when I decided to take some extra batting practice instead of dinner with her. I would also like to thank all my teammates from freshman through senior year, the ones who set the bar for athletes like me. I cherish the great memories spent with my brothers. Thank you Coach Kissel, and all coaches, for the commitment and sacrifices you have all given, not only me, but the entire team. Lastly, thank you Penn State Mont Alto. Thank you for bringing me to my closest friends, the friends that support you no matter what. Thank you for giving me my roommates who will be lifelong friends. Thank you for giving me my teammates who I am eternally grateful for. I love you all and thank you again for these past 4-years.
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