Anakin Underhill is a three-sport senior at Belmont High School who has had immense success thanks to his hard work and natural talent. He recently won the Division III boys’ basketball state championship with the Red Raiders and has just begun his last season as the ace on their baseball team.

He has committed to play D-I baseball for Sacred Heart University in the fall and the Monitor reached out to him to share his journey and learn more about where he’s headed.

Q: Tell us about your earliest memory of playing a sport.

A: The earliest memory I have of a significant sporting event would be going to regionals with my majors little league team.

Q: What are your three favorite sports to play or watch and why?

A: My three favorite sports to play are football, baseball, and basketball. Baseball is my favorite because it is a very hard sport and failure is very common. I loved playing quarterback in football because I like being in control of the offense. I love basketball because it’s a great way to stay in shape and try and compete for a state championship.

Q: How do you strike a balance between school and sports?

A: I have to put school first because if I’m not passing my classes I won’t be able to play.

Q: What kind of music helps you lock in for a big game?

A: The artist I listen to before a game to lock in is Adele. She is probably my favorite artist before every sporting event because I’m normally hyped up enough so I need something to calm me down.

Q: What’s your favorite part about baseball and why?

A: My Favorite part about baseball is how hard it is. I think that no matter what you do you are going to fail more than you will succeed

Q: Who is your biggest inspiration?

A: The person that I look up to the most would probably be Paul Skenes because he outworked everyone and he is exciting to watch. He also is a great person off the field.

Q: Who are some of your mentors and how have they helped you?

A: Cameron Sorgie is one of my mentors as he helped me through the whole recruiting process. Coach Leblanc, my high school head coach, has been with me all four years and can’t thank him enough for always keeping the mood light. My family has been a huge part of my success as well.

Q: What’s your favorite post-game meal and what makes it the best?

A: My favorite post-game meal is a large steak tip grinder, with an order of sweet potato fries and sweet Thai chicken wings from Tilton House of Pizza. The thing that makes the food taste the best is definitely a W and if I played well that’s a plus.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of playing sports?

A: Winning a state championship for basketball was amazing, especially with the group of guys we had this year.

Q: If you could play professional sports for any team, what would it be?

A: My dream has always been to become a Major League pitcher and if I had to choose a team to play for I would play for the Boston Red Sox. But any Major League ball club would be a dream come true.

Q: Considering that you won the D-III state championship in basketball… Any plans to keep playing in college? Maybe some intramurals?

A: I definitely will still be competing on the court, whether that’s in a rec league when I’m 50 or intramurals in college.

Q: What are you most excited about when you go play baseball at Sacred Heart University?

A: I am most excited to play baseball at a very high level and develop as a person and a player.