Nov. 30, 2008
Kyle Nichols is a senior relief pitcher on the Samford baseball team. Nichols led the team in saves in 2008, and he is looking to come back from off-season shoulder surgery.
Q: If you weren't playing baseball, what sport would you be playing and why?
KN: I would play football because I love watching it and I feel like I could I have the size to play.
Q: What were your reasons for choosing Samford?
KN: I wanted a Christian environment along with an athletic program, and this was really the only place I could play baseball.
Q: Heading into your senior year, have you tried to take on more of a leadership role with the team?
KN: I feel like I have tried. It was kind of hard in the fall because I was coming back from surgery and I couldn't really throw that much so I felt like I should take a back seat. But, I have tried to take a leadership role as much as I can to lead these young guys because we have a lot of them.
Q: Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
KN: I'd have to say my parents because they work so hard and have taught me about work ethic. They taught me how much hard work it takes to get where you want to be, and that is what has gotten me through these four years at Samford.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
KN: It would probably be last year with the year I had. With the 25 appearances and seven saves, I was pretty proud of that.
Q: What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
KN: I am deathly afraid of deep water.
Q: You had shoulder surgery in the off-season. How is your recovery going?
KN: It's going well. I've started throwing and am about two weeks away from doing flat mounds. I'll start throwing off the mound in January when I get here for Jan Term. I'll be ready to go this spring.
Q: Who is your favorite athlete and why?
KN: I'd have to say Peyton Manning because he went to Tennessee. He is just so cerebral about everything. He is a thinking man's athlete. He's not going to wow you with his athleticism, but he'll think his way through a football game.
Q: Who is your favorite Samford athlete and why?
KN: It would have to be Jonathan Lowery.
Q: What will you miss most about Samford?
KN: The guys. I've met so many guys playing baseball here and it's going to be weird not being around them next year. I'm going to miss the team camaraderie and team spirit that we have.
Q: Last year you became the team's main closer. Is that a role you have gotten comfortable with?
KN: I feel like I have. I play a lot off of adrenaline. I'm not a guy who is going to blow by people. I just get guys out by willing them to get out. So, playing off that adrenaline really helped me last year coming into that closer role and I really feel comfortable in it.
Q: What do you plan to do after graduation?
KN: Next fall I have to do my student teaching and then finish up and graduate next December. Then, hopefully I will get a job either here or back in Memphis teaching and coaching.
