Gonzaga Zags senior takes on the Questions

Each week, CatholicSportsNet.com will be getting to know a new student-athlete from around the country, by asking him/her a series of 20 questions - some in-depth, some lighthearted - that will provide insight into the thoughts and personalities of the men and women who are doing great things on and off the courts, fields, tracks, and courses.

Tyler Chism, a senior at Gonzaga University, makes his mark in the classroom and on the baseball field for the Zags. In school, he studies Sport Management with a 3.12 GPA. On the field a few notable accomplishments as of this season include: hitting for the cycle in a game against Minnesota, five home runs to date and currently batting .327.

Chism recently took part in the newest edition of CatholicSportsNet.com's "20 Questions," and his answers are below.

1) How did you choose the college you attend?

After spending two years at College of Southern Idaho, I was looking to transfer to a NCAA Division I university that offered great education as well as a strong baseball program. Gonzaga was the right fit.

2) What is your favorite part of college athletics?

Spending time with the guys on my team. We spend a lot of time together from the field, to classes together and road trips. We always find a way to have fun and make it a great time.

3) How do you balance academics and your sport(s)?

It definitely takes some getting used to. After four years of doing it I've figured out that the key is managing your time and setting priorities. You have to work to stay on top of assignments and make time to get school work done, even on road trips and after long practices.

4)  What is the hardest part about being a student athlete?

The amount of time spent traveling can be tough. It means missing a lot of class, having to make up tests and at times feeling like I am constantly trying to catch up.

5) What do you do for fun when you aren’t in class or at practice?

Spend time with the guys on the team and stay active. My teammates are my closest friends so even outside of class and practice I spend a lot of time with them. I love to stay active so we go lift together, toss around a football, anything like that. I also spend a lot of time with my girlfriend Libby who I met here at GU.

6) What is the best characteristic that you bring to your teammates?

I try to show my teammates a good balance between having fun while also working hard. As one of the few seniors on the team, I try to be a leader and set a good example for them. I try to show them how to be dedicated and never stop working for what you love, while also keeping things light. 

7) What does your team do as a pre game ritual?

There are not many team pregame rituals other than listen to music.

8) What music do you listen to before a game?

I like to listen to Rap or Hip Hop, anything that can get me up for the game.

9) What role does your faith play throughout school, games, and practice?

My faith is key to keeping a healthy perspective and staying motivated. All of my abilities are God given, and it is my responsibility to honor Him by using these gifts. Every opportunity I have comes from Him. My faith helps me appreciate these chances and trust God after a loss, through a difficult time or when things don't go exactly as I would hope.

10) Favorite pro team to watch?

Yankees.

11) What is your coach’s best quality?

He is all business, but he will surprise us with some humor to keep things light and keep our morale up.

12)  Why is a team captain(s) so important to the team?

We have a group of seniors that are great leaders and show the younger guys what it takes to be the best you can. We don't have captains of our team, but I think we have great leadership on the team.

13) How does your team handle defeat? What do you say to your team after a tough loss?

After a loss, our team moves on. I really believe that dwelling on the negative can only hurt you. In defeat, what you have to do is take the entire positive you can from it and move on; learn what you could do differently and prepare for the next game.

14) What is your favorite pregame snack?

Protein shake.

15)  Favorite movie quote?

“You throw the ball. You catch the ball. You hit the ball. Sometimes you win. Sometimes you lose. Sometimes it rain. Think about that.” - Bull Durham

16) What advice do you have for young student athletes as they decide where to go to college?

Find a program that you can see yourself at. Make sure you like the coaches and could see yourself there for four years.

17) Best smart phone app?

Fruit ninja.

18)  How do you think your involvement in college sports and academics will benefit you when you begin to look for a job?

My goal is to ultimately be a Strength and Conditioning Coach for a college athletics program. My experience as a student athlete will be incredibly beneficial as work towards this. Gonzaga has a great Athletics program as well as a huge network within the local and alumni communities. I have learned so much from our Strength and Conditioning coach as well as the other people that I have had the opportunity to work with.

19) What does it mean to play athletics for a catholic college?

There is a great community around athletics and the school. There is also a higher standard that we are held to because we not only represent college athletics, but also Catholic university.

20) What is your proudest athletic achievement?

Personally, first team NJCAA All-American as a sophomore. As a team, competing for the WCC championship this weekend.