The start of college can be a nerve wracking time. Living somewhere new without family and friends is daunting, but for Augustana College baseball commit Zach Bachochin, being part of the baseball team will make things a little bit easier.

“It makes me feel better that there are other people going through what I’m going through, whether that’s struggles with baseball or struggles with school, or the struggle with both,” Bachochin explains.

Bachochin chose Augustana, a DIII school, for its baseball team and its focus on education.

“They definitely seem to care about academics, and that’s something that was important to both me and my parents,” he says.

His commitment comes after a four-year career on the ETHS baseball team. Bachochin’s favorite moment of his career was during his junior year season, when the team won Regionals and went to Sectionals, where they vanquished rival New Trier.“Beating New Trier in the playoff game was really special to me,” Bachochin says.

During his time on the team, Bachochin formed a close bond with Assistant Coach Chris D’Amato, who supported him since his freshman year.

“He was always there for me, and he’s been there for me every year. And of course, as I’ve gotten onto his team last year, I’ve gotten to know him more and we’ve gotten very close,” comments Bachochin.

Looking back, Bachochin is grateful for his years of hard work and commitment to the recruitment process.

“I always knew that I had what it took, and I’m glad that I took the extra steps to get to where I am now,” he concludes.