Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302
(written by Nick Osterloo, Student Sports Information Assistant)
May 9, 2017 – Senior first baseman Nick Sotiros had originally crossed North Central College off of his list when deciding where to attend college and continue his baseball career. His brother Dan played baseball at North Central at the time of Nick's decision which ultimately led to him changing his mind. " I visited [Dan] a couple of times and I really liked the school. I also really wanted to keep playing with him," said Sotiros.
Sotiros played basketball and football in addition to baseball at West Allis Nathan Hale High School in West Allis, Wisconsin. "I always loved baseball, I started playing baseball as early as I could," Sotiros said.
But his sophomore year of high school, he needed to get Tommy John surgery, a procedure that often means the end of many baseball careers. Nick wanted his to end differently.
"[Tommy John] was something I put in a lot of work to get back on the field, which made me want to keep playing and get the most out of baseball. That long rehab process made me realize how much I love the game," said Sotiros.
In 2016, Sotiros led the Cardinals in batting average (.389), hits (68), doubles (22), triples (4), home runs (4), RBI (44), total bases (110) and slugging percentage (.629). He was also an ABCA/Rawlings Third Team All-American and D3baseball.com Honorable Mention All-American selection.
His favorite part of playing baseball at North Central is the teammates and coaches. "We have a great group of guys who make it fun to come and play everyday. Coach Mathey has been great, too; having him come here was probably the best thing for this program," said Sotiros
One teammate in particular motivates Sotiros the most: Chris Hill. Hill ranks second in school history for doubles in a single season (19) and is currently tied for the school record for doubles in a career (44). "We push each other a lot and we have similar hitting styles. That really makes us compatible to hit and work hard together," Sotiros said.
Sotiros' family is also a huge part of his life. "My biggest role models are my parents--they both do so much for me," Sotiros said. Both of his parents drive nearly two hours both ways from New Berlin, Wisconsin to attend his games.
"They've invested so much to give me the best opportunity to succeed. I am really thankful to have them in my life," Nick says of his parents.
Sotiros also finds his motivation from his three siblings: Dan, KellyAnn and Katie. "[Dan] works hard and always pushed me in sports," said Sotiros. "Growing up. we had a very intense, competitive life.
"[Dan] would always beat me until I got bigger than him. It always ended with me throwing a fit and getting yelled at by mom. That taught me a lot about myself, it taught me how much I hate losing to him, even now," Sotiros said. "I aspire to be as good as he is in the classroom, on the field, and in life."
Sotiros completed his undergraduate in accounting in three years and is now working to receive his MBA in his fourth year at North Central. "[Balancing school and baseball] has been tough, but also very beneficial to have gone through this. It helps with time management skills and different abilities that will get me ready for life after college," Sotiros said.
"I have accepted a job offer at PricewaterhouseCoopers, an accounting firm. I will be working back up in Milwaukee in the fall," said Sotiros of his plans for after graduation. He hopes to be the chief financial officer of a company someday.
When Nick is not in the classroom or on the field, he enjoys being around sports. "I enjoy watching sports and playing fantasy football," Sotiros said. He also is a three-time intramural flag football champion, which he plays in the fall with his teammates.
The Cardinals secured sole possession of this year's College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) regular season championship on Monday with a 5-2 victory over Wheaton College, putting North Central at the top of the conference for the third consecutive year and the 13th time in the program's history. The Cardinals will host the CCIW Tournament this week at Zimmerman Stadium, opening play on Thursday at noon against Illinois Wesleyan University.
