Meet Nick Barenz, our first SIS Athlete Spotlight of 2025. He is a Senior majoring in Integrative Studies with a concentration in Leadership. He is a catcher for the Men's Baseball team.
How do you balance academic & athletics?
Getting work done on my off days to ensure I can focus on one thing at a time.
What has been your favorite INTS class and/or professor so far, and why?
Favorite INTS professor: Mark Thurston – I've taken 3 courses with him so far. Fall 2024 – Understanding INTS and this semester I’m taking two courses with him: Mindfulness, Meaning & Well-Being and Special Topics – Global Well-Being & Happiness. I have enjoyed them all so far!
Who is your biggest inspiration in sports or life?
My family is my biggest inspiration for why I play baseball. My Dad played college baseball at UCONN, my Mom was a 12-letter athlete in high school, and my brother plays college club basketball. My family believes in me more than anyone! To continue playing the game that I love with their support every step of the way is the reason I never want to stop playing.
What advice would you give to an incoming student athlete?
If you're an incoming student-athlete, my best advice is to stay on top of your schedule. Balancing school, practice, and games can get stressful, so having a routine really helps. Don’t be afraid to ask your coaches, teammates, or teachers for help if you’re struggling, they want to see you succeed. Also, make sure to connect with your teammates, because they’ll be like family and can support you through tough times. Lastly, take care of yourself! Making sure you get enough rest and making time to recover is just as important as training hard.
March 19, 2025