Pitcher Nolan Snell has been a huge advantage for the Maverick baseball team this year. Snell is a transfer sophomore from Alburqueque, N.M. and has attended three different colleges in three years, with Mesa State being the perfect fit.
He chose MSC for the competitive baseball program and to get the quality education that it offers. Snell, being the new addition to the team, has already accomplished many goals Maverick athletes make for themselves every year. Already a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week after the first conference series of the year, Snell has also become the starting pitcher for the first game of every series.
“I was actually really surprised to hear I got chosen, it felt really good knowing that I had done such a good job and recognized for it,” Snell said.
Since his outstanding outing against Dixie state, Snell has maintained his ace status leading the Mavericks with an impressive ERA. Along with his golden arm, Snell does his best to prepare the same for every team, focusing on what he is doing on the mound not who he’s throwing against, win or lose.
“If I put too much effort in because we are playing a good team or slack because I know we are playing a weaker team, I always end up struggling when I throw,” Snell said. “When it comes to losses, I like to go over the game and see where mistakes were made. I try not to dwell on the loss, but make sure I fix and make adjustments for my next outing.”
Like all athletes, Snell has different superstitions when it comes to the game.
“I’m not the most superstitious person, but I do have a pattern that I’ve gotten into during this season that I never stray from,” Snell said. “I always warm up with the same person before I go in, I always start warming up in the bullpen at an exact time before game time. I never step on the foul line and I always have a little ritual that I go through before I step on the rubber for the first batter of the inning.”
Snell has become the player he has by dedication and having a love for the game. He has been a top player for the baseball team so far this year with two more years to offer the Mavericks. With a pitching roster like the Mavericks, it’s no surprise Snell has done so well in this conference and meshed so well with the team.
“I love the fact that I’m now a Maverick,” Snell said. “I’m glad I’ve found somewhere that I can be successful and showcase my talents. I feel like Mesa is where I was always suppose to be.”

tgross@mesastate.edu