An ordinary day for a UCLA baseball player sounds a little like this: 6:00 am wake up call for weights, class throughout the day, and practice in the afternoon going into the evening. With most of their days committed to baseball it's hard to think they'd have time for anything else in their lives, but rest assured they do.
The Seventh Inning Spotlight aims to shine light on the unique personalities and lifestyles of each UCLA baseball player with Q & A's to get to know each player beyond their athletic abilities. Each week we will be highlighting a new student athlete. So stay tuned to learn about one of your favorite Bruins.
Q & A with Luke Persico
Q1: How would you describe yourself in three words?
Quiet, competitive, and athletic.
Q2: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Playing professional baseball. I have no particular team preference but I would like to stay in California for sure.
Q3: Who is your role model and why?
Derek Jeter because he played the game the right way. He was always kind of quiet, stayed away from negative publicity. Derek Jeter has helped me in baseball because he gave me someone to look up to and follow in the footsteps. We are both similar in size and I like to compare my baseball skills to his.
Q4: Where do you place sports in its importance in your life?
Family first, then baseball. Baseball's always been a big part of my life. I don't really know anything else.
Q5: When you find you get the day off of practice, what is the first thing you do?
We usually go to the beach as a team and play volleyball and swim. We like going there because it gives us a chance to relax and hang out outside of the baseball field.
Q6: If you hadn't become a baseball player what would you be doing and why?
If I hadn't become a baseball player I think I would be working toward becoming a sports agent because it seems like an interesting job and I would want to be involved with sports in some way.
Q7: What has been your biggest motivation, either someone or something that helped you get you where you are today?
Both of my parents have been my biggest motivation. They both push me to achieve the highest in life and haven't let me settle for anything.
Q8: What is your “go-to” song to get you ready before a game?
Anything rap really, I listened to a lot of the new Kanye West album this past weekend along with some Rick Ross songs. (Luke's three at-bat songs during the series against North Carolina this weekend were: “Really, Really” by Kevin Gates on Friday. “Safe and Sound” by Rebelution on Saturday. “Wild Horses” by Bishop on Sunday.)
Q9: What is your favorite childhood memory?
Playing with my travel team. Growing up playing ball with all the same guys was the greatest.
Q10: Who would win in a dance battle on your team?
Jordan Myrow because he loves to dance. You'll always see him dancing during weight practice.
Q11: Tell us a little bit about how you got to UCLA?
UCLA contacted me my Sophomore year in high school after I had attended their baseball camp. I was really excited because I always wanted to come here. Fall of my Junior year they made me an offer and I committed the day after because I knew it was where I wanted to go...it was close to home, great weather, good location, and a great school.
Q12: If you won the PowerBall a few weeks ago what would have been the first thing you bought?
A vacation in the Caribbean, that sounds great!
Q13: What's you're favorite TV show?
I'm big on Prison Break right now. It keeps me on the edge of my seat…just when I think something predictable will happen, something completely different happens.