ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Brett Hanewich

Lakewood Ranch sophomore Brett Hanewich pitched a complete game, allowing two hits while striking out four in the Mustangs’ 3-0 non-district victory over Manatee March 3. Hanewich also went 1-for-3 at the plate with a RBI. Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

How do you handle pressure?
Over the summer, my travel team competed in a huge tournament in Jupiter. There were more than 700 scouts. It was a huge deal, and they were all out watching us. I love the adrenaline. I thrive off of it.

What’s the toughest part about being a pitcher?
Being able to focus on one thing at a time. It’s tough hitting and pitching.

Of the two sports that you play, basketball and baseball, which is your favorite?
Baseball. I love it. I play year-round, and it’s something I’ve been doing since I was little. My whole family is (into) softball and baseball, and I love watching it on TV.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to play college baseball, and if the opportunity comes along for me to go into the Majors, then I want to do that. I just want to play baseball. That’s my dream.

Who is your favorite baseball player?
Josh Hamilton. I have a poster of him in my room that I look at every morning, and it reminds me to work hard every day to get to the next level.

What do you like to do when you aren’t playing sports?
I like to watch TV and hang out with my friends. I also got a ping-pong table for Christmas, so I’ve been playing that nonstop.

Do you have any siblings?
I have three sisters: Katelynn, 24, Ashley, 22, and Corey, 19, and I have an older brother, Matt, who is 20 years old.

Who is your biggest role model?
My dad. He’s taught me everything and made me better. He gets on me sometimes because he doesn’t want me to make the same mistakes he made. He wants me to be successful like my siblings. I really look up to him.