Sports Spotlight - Windermere Observer: Matt Coles

Throughout his career at Windermere Prep, senior pitcher/first baseman Matt Coles has been diligent in putting in the work and finally has worked his way into the Lakers’ starting rotation.

In a recent start, Coles tossed a complete game shutout April 6 against Umatilla, allowing just four hits while striking out 11 batters.

How hard did you work ahead of this season?

I was at the baseball field every day for an hour or two hours. I was working on hitting, just to get my power right and to work on using my hips and using my lower half (of my body). I was long-tossing almost every day — pretty much every day I wasn’t pitching, depending on how my arm felt. And I was in the weight room probably six to seven times a week.

Specifically, what did you need to improve on the mound?

I needed to improve my velocity, because I was only sitting in the mid-to-high 70s (miles per hour). To get into college, I’ve been told by college scouts I need to hit the low 80s. I just needed to focus on working on my velocity while keeping my control.

Speaking of college scouts, do you have a school you are thinking about attending?

Most likely, I have a walk-on opportunity a Florida Institute of Technology.

The team had a handful of seniors last year who are now playing Division I baseball. Did you learn or take away anything from the experience of playing with those guys?

Probably Austin Bergner — just picking up how much his work ethic was and how much he worked for what he got.

Have you kept up with any of those guys as they have started their college careers?

I’ve been watching, every now and then, to see how Rylan (Thomas) has been pitching and playing at UCF and how Austin has been pitching at North Carolina.

What stands out about Coach Keith Walsh’s style?

He’s worked a lot on the little things — he talks a lot about small ball.

Who is a professional player with whom you really identify?

I really like Madison Bumgarner, because I like the heart that he shows — especially when it comes to the postseason. Same with (Clayton) Kershaw.

What’s the biggest difference between living in America and Australia?

The culture — the lifestyle and the way people are. The food is a lot different, and I’m from a small town where everybody knows everyone. That’s a lot different from being in a town like Orlando.

What are you thinking you would like to do for a job?

I’m not sure yet, but right now I am wanting to major in physics in college. So I’m looking forward to that.