Round Rock's Brantley Lavas on priorities: 'All I've ever known is baseball and softball'
All about Brantley: now, about that name ...
Is there a story behind the name Brantley?
It's my mom's maiden name. The only other time I've seen it is with (country/rock singer) Brantley Gilbert. It's pretty unique.
Tell something about you that most people don't know.
I'm a musically inclined kid. I've been in an orchestra, and I've played the cello. I also taught myself to play the piano, guitar and harmonica.
Were there complaints about being too loud at home?
Yes. The violin doesn't sound that great at the beginning. Both of my parents work from home, and, yes, there was a noise issue.
What has been your favorite vacation?
I think I was in seventh grade when I went to Costa Rica with my parents, siblings, grandparents, everyone. I remember going out in a catamaran and and snorkeling. Seeing the Costa Rican rainforest was a big thing. And walking on the hanging bridges, getting to see all the trees and animals.
If you could be any superhero, who would you be?
I'd say the Flash. He's super fast, and I love doing things fast. He's a great guy, a genius. He could time-travel and run into the future.
I hear you have exciting college news.
Yes, I'm going to play college softball at UT-El Paso. I'm super excited. The coaches are amazing, and the players made me feel welcomed. I couldn't ask for more. It blows my mind that I have the opportunity to do this.
Getting defensive is what it's all about
Tell me about the first time you played in a competitive game.
It was an eye-opening experience. It was a place I could let out my emotions. I remember my freshman year and how fun it was to travel to games.
What is your favorite softball memory at Round Rock?
I believe it was round two of the playoffs, and I hit an inside-the-park home run. There were two runners on in a pretty close game. We ended up winning the game.
What is your favorite thing to do in a softball game?
I get my most satisfaction when I make a diving play or make a nice throw on the run. I feel defense is where the game happens.
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Has softball taught you any life lessons?
It teaches you how to treat other people and how to deal with adversity. It builds characters and shows you how to become a leader and a good teammate.
Dream dinner: a baseball-heavy get together
If you could have dinner with any four people in the history of the world, who would they be?
I'm going to pick Zach Bryan, (former Red Sox second baseman) Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Hart and (MLB Network sportscaster) Lauren Shehadi.
Why Lauren Shehadi?
Working with MLB has been my dream job since I can remember. I've wanted to be a broadcaster and maybe even have my own show. All I've ever known is baseball and softball.
Other Faces off the field interviews
Other Central Texas softball players we've interviewed this season: Leander UT Catelyn Beckerley, Bowie P Kate Bookidis, Ann Richards INF Milan Fairchild, Westlake P Eden Matt, Round Rock OF Meghan Merwick, Ann Richards C Zia Shtraikh, Hendrickson P Tabita Villa, Hyde Park UT Olivia Villanueva
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Faces off the field: Round Rock senior shortstop Brantley Lavas
