Through the
Varsity S Club Spotlight we'll re-connect with student-athletes of the past. This series will illustrate the impact that a Sonoma State University education has on student-athletes and highlights the impact they are now having in their communities.
GINO LAVEZZO
- Gino Lavezzo attended Sonoma State from 2003 to 2008. A four-year member of the baseball team, he hit .369 for the Seawolves in 2008 in helping guide them to their first west region championship. During Gino's junior and senior campaigns, the SSU baseball team went a combined 102-27 and won back-to-back CCAA titles. Gino graduated with a double major in Economics and Criminal Justice.
What is your favorite memory as a student-athlete?
My favorite memory as a student athlete would have to be the 2008 baseball season. We had many memories from that season, but the playoff run and getting to the College World Series would have to be my favorite. Seeing the look on Coach Goelz's face when we got the last out in the West Region final and clinching a berth in the World Series was the best!! There were so many teams before us that got so close... to be the first team to get to the World Series was incredible. Also the 19 inning game against Central Missouri in the World Series was pretty amazing as well. Playing over 6 hours and finishing at 3 am was a memory I will never forget. Editor's Note: Box Score and Recap from that game.
How do you think you changed as a person, from freshman to senior year?
As a freshman, it was my first time away from home, so it was a different experience than I was accustomed to. I remember seeing guys like Tommy Everidge, Brandon Burgess, Darren Sack, and Daniel Barone and looking at them as leaders and veterans in the program. Throughout the years in the program I tried to become more of a leader and mentor to the younger guys coming into the program. As a senior in 2008 we had a great group of leaders and guys who had been in the program 4-5 years. We spent so much time on and off the field and we got along great with each other. This translated into our success on the field. I can't help but thank Coach Goelz, Walter White, and Derek Bell (among many other coaches) for the success throughout my years in the program.
If you could give advice to a freshman student-athlete today, what would it be?
The advice I would give to a freshman student athlete would be to enjoy your time at Sonoma State, but also get involved in as many things at the school as possible. Aside from my time commitments with the baseball team, I was a part of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and tried to attend as many on-campus sporting events as possible. I felt like supporting the other teams at Sonoma State made us a stronger university. Being a part of many aspects of the university made for a great experience at Sonoma State.
What are you up to these days?
I have been a firefighter for the City of San Mateo for the past 5 years. I currently live in San Mateo. Side note: (my mom now makes brownies for the firehouse, instead of the Sonoma State baseball team....haha)
How did Sonoma State University help prepare you for your career?
Sonoma State helped me prepare for my career in the fire service because it taught me about being part of a team and working well with others. Much like my time on the baseball team, at the firehouse we work as a team to accomplish a goal in whatever type of emergency we are responding to. Also being on the baseball team at Sonoma taught me to work well with others. At the firehouse we work 48 hour shifts together so getting along with others is key to the success of the crew you are working with. I had a tremendous experience and am forever thankful for my time at Sonoma State. Go Seawolves!!
ABOUT THE VARSITY S CLUB
The Varsity S Club is an exclusive group of past and present Sonoma State University student-athletes, coaches, cheerleaders, athletic trainers, and administrators formed for the purpose of building enthusiasm for Sonoma State University Athletics. The Varsity S Club does this through a variety of philanthropic, fundraising, and social events designed to strengthen SSU Athletics. Membership in the Varsity S Club is open to any individual who has competed in varsity athletics at Sonoma State University, as well as any past member of the cheer team, athletic training, or administrative staff. Sign up here:
Varsity S Club.
See past Varsity S Club Spotlight features here:
Varsity S Club Spotlight Archive.
