Live Oak High School Baseball Season Preview

As the baseball season draws near, the anticipation and excitement can be felt in the air. Fans and supporters are eager to see what this year’s team at Live Oak High School has to offer. To give a preview of the upcoming season, we had the opportunity to speak with Coach Jon Kocina about his expectations for the team and the preparations they have been making. Coach Kocina’s main goal for the team this season is to win their fourth consecutive league title. This is a lofty goal, but one that is definitely within reach for this talented group of players. The key to success, according to Coach Kocina, will be playing as a team. This means that each player will have to put aside their individual goals and focus on what is best for the team. This selflessness is crucial for any successful team and Coach Kocina is confident that his players will embrace this mentality. When asked about the top returning players from last season, Coach Kocina mentioned left-handed pitcher JJ Becks, shortstop/pitcher Michael Volkman, and outfielder Matteo Castellanos. All three possess senior leadership qualities and have been a part of teams that have already won the league title. They will be vital pieces of the team’s day-to-day lineup and their experience and skill will no doubt have a positive impact on the team’s performance. In addition to these returning players, Coach Kocina also highlighted the impact that new transfers will have on the team. Pitcher/infielder Donnie Lema, infielder/pitcher Jonah Chattha, and infielder Jordan Tabag are all expected to make an immediate impact. Their talent and contributions will only add to the team’s depth and success. When selecting team captains, Coach Kocina looks for players who lead by example and exhibit qualities such as hard work and accountability. While he has yet to officially name team captains, there are players who are already displaying these qualities and are in contention for the role. Team chemistry and camaraderie are crucial for any successful team. To foster this, Coach Kocina plans on allowing the team time and space to bond and build friendships before and after practices and games. This gives the players a chance to get to know each other and build a strong team dynamic. Apart from team chemistry, Coach Kocina also focuses on motivating his players to push themselves to their fullest potential. He does this by teaching them life lessons and holding them accountable.