Many have been hit hard by the news that schools will not return to campus for the remainder of the academic year. It’s a tough and transformative time for all, but especially for the senior class, the class of 2020. Sports360AZ wants to hear from those seniors on how they’re adjusting, what they’re feeling and how this experience can make them stronger moving forward in a new segment we call “2020 Vision.”
Michael Diaz and the weight room have become close friends over the past few years so for the Brophy College Prep two-sport standout, the “new normal” is, in some ways, just normal.The Santa Clara baseball signee has spent just as much time in his parent’s garage gym as he had inside the upscale workout facilities at BCP.
“That’s definitely been a big blessing to have here,” Diaz said in a recent Skype interview with Sports360AZ.com. “I’m literally in there every day, at least two to three hours…I’ve definitely been taking advantage of it. In terms of being in there, it gets to the point where my parents are like, ‘It’s time to get out. Let’s go.'”
Diaz, a standout linebacker, was one of the key contributors for BCP who went 8-3 under first-year head coach Jason Jewell. Two of the highlights of 2019 was defeating 6A State Champion Liberty in Week Zero and Open Dight semi-finalist Hamilton in the regular season.
“In terms of Coach Jewell and playing for him, it was just a great experience,” Diaz explained. “[I’m] glad we could get him a very good first season under his belt.”
After a great visit, I’m so excited to announce my commitment to play D1 baseball at Santa Clara University! I’d like to thank my family, coaches, and teammates for helping me get where I am today! I can’t wait to get to work! #BroncoUp #StampedeTogether pic.twitter.com/PHcX4IEVJ4
— Michael Diaz (@_michael_diaz) July 13, 2019
While Diaz excelled on the gridiron, his true calling is on the baseball diamond.
His dreams of big senior season with the Broncos were cut short when the AIA canceled the remainder of the spring sports calendar.
“Once [the pandemic] started and we didn’t hear anything, school was canceled for the year,” Diaz reflected. “It didn’t look too well. When [the season] ended…it was an ongoing emotion. It was just a very big shock, I was not expecting it.”
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Eric Sorenson
A Valley native, Eric has had a passion for the Arizona sports scene since an early age. He has covered some of the biggest events including Super Bowls, national championships and the NBA and MLB playoffs in his near 20 years in local media.