Taco Bell Student-Athlete Spotlight
11/18/2011 5:22:00 PM | Baseball
STATESBORO, Ga. - Eagle slugger Victor Roache not only earned the Southern Conference Player of the Year award and multiple other accolades last season, he also earned a spot on the Academic All-Conference team and was placed on the Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll for the 2010-2011 academic year. For the Georgia Southern junior, academics have always been equally as important as athletics.
"I'm a student first and an athlete second," said the Ypsilanti, Michigan native. "Growing up, C's and D's were unacceptable in our house. If I brought home a C, my father would want to know what was going on. I've tried to apply that same work ethic here at Southern. I also believe that when you perform well in the classroom, it translates to the field. If you have the discipline to work hard in school than you can apply that same discipline in the sport that you play."
That formula has worked well for the Eagles' outfielder. Roache was an important part of last year's run to the Southern Conference Championship. He batted .326 on the season and led the nation in home runs with 30 long balls.
"The combination of ability, drive and work ethic really helped him take off last season," said Head Coach Rodney Hennon. "Victor is the type of guy who is never satisfied. He works hard to get better every day and that hard work is paying off."
Georgia Southern baseball opens the 2012 season with an eight-game homestand, beginning on Friday, Feb. 17 when they host UT Martin for a three-game series. The defending Southern Conference Champions begin conference play on the road at Elon on Friday, March 9.
Major: Sport Management
Interests: Golf and Bowling
Favorites:
Food: Chinese Food
Movies: Transformers 1-3
Type of Music: Rap, Hip-Hop, R&B, Motown
Athlete: Justin Upton
Why did you choose to attend GSU? I loved the college, campus, coaches, and facilities.
What is your favorite memory so far as an Eagle? Winning the Southern Conference Championship.
What do you appreciate most about your team? Our team chemistry and how hard we work together as a team.
What are your goals for the upcoming season: To win another Southern Conference Championship and make it to Omaha.
What accomplishments are you most proud of? Performing well in the Cape Cod league and making the Cape Cod All-Star team.
What are your plans after college? Pursue a career in professional baseball.
