University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
7th Inning Spotlight: Eric Filia
March 09, 2016 | Baseball
7TH INNING SPOTLIGHT
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 Eric Filia
Position: Outfield
Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA
Year: Redshirt Senior
Major: History
Favorite memory at UCLA on the field?
Winning the National Title. My freshman year of High School I told the coaching staff at the time that I wanted to be the first ever to win the National Title for UCLA and sure enough it happened. I remember it like it was yesterday.
What's the greatest piece of advice you've received?
“Just be yourself”, from my dad. He would always tell me before each game just to be myself.
What quote best defines you?
“Stand and face the challenger and don't retreat”, because I'm always up for a challenge and I'm not one to back down.
Describe your ideal meal.
I'd have a 4 x 4 animal style, McDonald's fries, a house salad from a sushi place (I love their salads), I would have a few of my Great Aunt's pork chops and for dessert I would have Sprinkle's Cupcakes and Tasty Cakes.
Who are some of your heroes in your life?
My dad because he's taught me how to be a great son, a great brother, and a great role model. My Great Aunt Alison because she's really the only person who understands me and supports me in areas outside of baseball. She's my biggest fan behind closed doors.
Do you find yourself most on Instagram, Facebook, or Snapchat? How come?
Instagram because I like seeing what's going on in pictures and how people are enjoying their moments. I'm not that big into social media though.
If you could jump on a plane tomorrow where would you be headed?
I'd go to Italy. I mean I'm Italian and I have family from Northern Italy so I'd probably go to Rome or Venice or Sicily. New Zealand also sounds beautiful.
If you could have any dream job what would it be?
I would be an actor. I think that would be awesome just trying to form different identities and roles. I think it brings out the spontaneous aspect of who you can be. Like Jim Carrey, he's great.
What type of music do you listen to?
I don't try to listen to hits; I try to listen to underground, originality type of music. Like “Simba Lives Long”, that's by an Arabian guy who raps. I like reggae, underground rap and old school hip-hop. I like a certain kind of female hip hop, “Headpiece” is probably one of my favorites.
If a genie granted you three wishes what would they be?
To sing, be financially stable for the rest of my life, and be immortal.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths: My ability to handle adversity and that I can make the best out of any moment or situation. I love having a smile on my face because life's too short to be upset. As long as you're happy that's all that really matters.
Weaknesses: I'm kind of emotional in a way of putting your heart into something in which you prepare so much. I wouldn't say it's a weakness but I'd say losing makes me stronger. I sometimes go out of my own bubble and try to do too much as a person, which isn't good.
What would you name the autobiography of your life?
“Humbled”
Describe what it felt like playing at Dodger Stadium this past Sunday.
My freshman year I was hurt and the first game I was cleared to play was at Dodger Stadium but wasn't able to play. I grew up playing at Angel Stadium so Dodger Stadium made it all real. The stadium has so much history and is one of the nicest in the Major Leagues. The grass was phenomenal; the grounds crews made it roll out. The atmosphere with the crowd was incredible; I'd like to have that many fans at our home games. Playing in front of that many people is so great because there are little kids in the crowd and that's what it's all for because I was one of them when I was a little kid. What's funny is that Christian Lopes and Jeremy Martinez (USC Baseball Athletes) and I in High School went and saw the UCLA vs. USC game at Dodger Stadium together. At that time I was already committed to UCLA so it was great to play here five years later. The sun got me a little bit in the first inning. It was a thrill playing at Dodger Stadium.
How do you want to be remembered?
That I left my heart out on the field basically. I've gone through so many ups and downs so you have to be grateful for what you have. I know it's cliché but it's true.
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