This week, we’re profiling baseball player Casanova Donaldson, a Civil Engineering Junior from Nashville, Tennessee. Favorite Sports Team: Tennessee Titans
1. When did you start playing baseball?
I first started playing baseball when I was 6.
2. Casanova’s an interesting name, and a pretty cool one at that. How did you get it?
I was told that the year I was born, a hit song called “Casanova” by Gerald Lavert was performed at a concert my parents went to the night before. They really liked the song. At first my mom was going to name me Jonathan Michael. Let’s be glad she didn’t. My parents couldn’t come to an agreement, and my mom was threatening my dad to name me, so he said Casanova. They agreed, so here we are. Plus, they knew I would be a ladies’ man. Just kidding.
3. What does a typical day in your life consist of?
A typical day in the life of the one and only Casanova consists of hitting the snooze button on my alarm around 7:15, and actually waking up around 7:50 for an 8:00 class. In between classes I have a morning workout. After I am done, I go to “the grill” and get a bite to eat and chill with some friends. Then I go to practice around 2 and stay until about 6. After practice, I attend study hall for 2-3 hours. After study hall, I get something to eat and watch a little SportsCenter then do some more homework. At about 1 a.m., I call it a night and do it all over again.
4. When you get some free time, what do you like to do? Any big hobbies?
When I have some free time I mostly like to sleep, but when I’m not sleeping, I like to chill and watch a movie or something.
5. What’s your favorite baseball memory?
My favorite baseball memory came earlier this season when we went to Charleston, South Carolina. We had a little down time, and I have never seen the ocean, so we decided to go to see it. On our way, my assistant coach made a deal that if I jumped in the ocean, he would too. Keep in mind that I really can’t swim. We arrived at the beach and my so-called friends talked me into trying to risk my life with the sharks and jump into the ocean. I don’t even like to jump in the swimming pool, so this was like the end of the world for me. I decided to do it, so my assistant coach did it as well. We ran and jumped in, and it’s in the middle of winter so the water was freezing. Besides the thought of getting taken by a wave and drowning, it was pretty fun. My grandmother always told me, “Never get in more water than you can drink.” Sorry Granny, the ocean is a lot of water to drink.
6. Who is your biggest influence?
My biggest influence is my family. Making them happy means so much to me, and my succeeding makes them happy.
7. Why did you choose to play for Tech?
My school decision was based on my education. I saw that Tech had a great engineering program, so I enrolled. As far as playing baseball, I had the confidence in my ability to play, so I pretty much called the coaches with a few references and asked to try out. The coach blessed me with the chance and I made the best of the opportunity. So here I am now on the greatest team ever.
8. What are your plans for life after college?
After college, if I do not further my career in baseball, I plan to move west and get an engineering job for a while, then move back to the South and settle down. I want to travel a lot after school. I also want to go on a spring break, which I don’t have at the moment.
9. What are you trying to improve about your game?
There is a lot that I think I should improve about my game, but one thing I am really working on as of now is being consistent at the plate.
10. What goals have you set for yourself this season?
This season my goals are to be a consistent positive factor on the team, and to be the best teammate possible.
11. Who are your favorite artists and why?
Outkast (Andre 3000 and Big Boi). They are my favorite because they are so different and original.
12. What really motivates you?
The thought of failure really motivates me. I have been told on numerous occasions that I have too much on my plate, and there is no way in the world I can be successful in all that I do. All I have to say is I am not a quitter, I give my all in everything I do and failure is not an option.
13. What’s your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. It’s ironic because I am allergic to chocolate.
