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WESTON, Mass. — Ryan Hinckley (17) is a product of both his father and brother when it comes to sports, especially baseball. His father, Chip – a 1989 Weston High School (WHS) graduate and former baseball player at both WHS and Bates College – introduced Ryan to the sport at a very young age, putting a bat and ball in his hands as soon as he could. Ryan’s competitive spirit was fueled even more by his older brother Sam, as the two grew up playing sports together almost daily, constantly pushing each other to be better.

At WHS, Ryan plays both varsity football and baseball, earning the role of football co-captain for his senior year. What he is best known for is his game IQ. He remains composed under pressure, slowing the game down in his mind to be able to analyze the situation and make smart, effective decisions. This ability not only elevates his own play, but brings a sense of confidence to his teammates, knowing he can be counted on in critical moments.

On the baseball field, Ryan has been a key contributor to the team’s success, helping lead them to playoff appearances and a winning regular-season record for the past two years. As of the date of this writing, the team holds the top seed in Division 3.

Congrats, Ryan!

Interview with Ryan:

What are your personal goals within your sport/athletic dreams?

Ryan Hinckley: I would love to play baseball in college, maintaining the title of being a student-athlete.

What do you love about your sport(s)?

Hinckley: There are different things I love about each of my sports. Football is a great blend of hard work and intensity while also being able to have fun with your teammates. It’s a fast-paced, physical sport where every person on the field has to have each other’s back in order for the team to succeed. On the other hand, baseball is a much slower, more mental game, creating situations for mental toughness to be displayed. It has taught me so much about staying mentally composed and calm, which can be useful in areas beyond sports.

What was the best advice you were ever given?

Hinckley: My dad, who coached me when I was younger, used to paraphrase Rod Carew, preaching ‘it’s amazing what you can do when you believe in yourself.’ Having a sense of confidence and understanding your strengths is a vital aspect of succeeding in sports.

How do you prepare yourself mentally or physically for games?

Hinckley: Before games, I often listen to music to get in the right headspace. In bigger moments during games, I take deep long breaths, slowing the game down to assess the situation and make smart decisions.

What is your biggest challenge in your sport, and what do you do to manage it?

Hinckley: Staying mentally tough no matter how bad the game is going. By being confident in yourself, you can remain in the right headspace to succeed.

What has being a member of a team taught you?

Hinckley: Varsity sports teaches young athletes the importance of putting the team above oneself. This idea is especially prevalent in baseball as scraping across a few runs in a close game sometimes forces you to put your ego aside and do what it takes to put your team in a better position to win.

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