Student-Athlete of the Week: Asa Medina, Hoover High School

FRESNO, Calif. – Baseball season is right around the corner and at Froese Hannah Field the Hoover High School Patriots are gearing up for another season.

After a disappointing end to last season, senior shortstop and starting pitcher Asa Medina is ready to make a difference – for him, baseball is an escape.

“I love baseball because it is just the way to get out of the real world, you know you step out onto the field, it’s just nothing but baseball,” Medina said.

Last season, Medina had a 3.30 ERA on the hill with three complete games, but he said he’ll cherish his bonds with his teammates more than his stats.

“I say coming out here every day, and even sometimes not taking so serious just having fun. That is something I will remember for the rest of my life,” Medina said.

Some of those memories go back even before high school ball. Medina grew up with teammate, Patriots pitcher and outfielder LaShawn Carey.

“I have a lot of memories just maturing together. I felt like growing up seeing each other growing up seeing the differences between us have been cool,” Carey said.

Medina’s baseball coach David Jones praised Medina’s work ethic.

“He is the guy I can go to, lead the team talk to, and say hey, I need you to take the team in this direction, they get tired of hearing my voice,” Jones said.

Hoover High School had a deep run in the playoffs in the 2023 season but stumbled last season with a 15-14 record. Medina and his fellow Patriots are using last season as motivation on the field this year.

“We are going to compete, we are going out there and compete. I think this is been the best we have been in a few years, you know since I have been here, I think we can really make a run,” Medina said.

Senior Asa Medina is the Fresno State Focus on Sports: Student-Athlete of the Week.

The Patriots will host the Selma High School Bears for their home opener on March 6 at 3:30 pm. The game will be broadcast live on the Patriots Streaming Network.

To nominate a local student-athlete for the Fresno State Focus on Sports: Student-Athlete of the Week, contact Bryan Welch via Instagram at bryanwelch127.