LYNNFIELD — Playing three different sports every year for four years can take a toll on one’s body, but for Alex Gentile, he gained lifelong friends and important skills to take when he starts his next chapter of life at Bentley University.
“I’m proud of everything I accomplished athletically and as a team. The group of friends that I have now from different sports, where four years ago going into high school I don’t think I would have had any of these friendships if it wasn’t for sports,” Gentile said.
Gentile played soccer and basketball all four years of high school and baseball for three years, since the spring season didn’t happen due to COVID. Gentile mentioned that at times, it was tough playing three sports, because there was never really a break between seasons.
“It’s definitely a grind. Practice and games every day, and you have to keep up with your schoolwork,” Gentile said. “It can take a toll on you, especially doing it all year, every day, seven days a week. I had a fun time doing it and I wouldn’t change anything that I’ve done.”
Despite always being in-season, Gentile believed that playing sports helped him physically and mentally prepare for the next season.
“From the physical standpoint, playing soccer and basketball in back-to-back seasons, you’re already in shape so there’s not much you have to do. Playing those two sports before baseball keeps me in shape,” Gentile said. “Mentally, sports are a very mental aspect and a component of the game. You can get down on yourself if you’re not having a good game, but it’s about staying in it and doing the best you can.”
Having a short memory is needed when one sport ends and the other starts right away.
“There is no offseason. As soon as you finish one sports season, whether it’s a playoff loss, you quickly have to get over it because within a week, you’re into the next sports season,” Gentile said.
Gentile is the ultimate team player. Whether it’s sacrificing himself in baseball to advance the runner or providing assists in basketball and soccer, he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make sure the team wins.
“Overall, my mindset is pretty much the same in every sport,” Gentile said. “Doing whatever is best for the team and helping us win. In basketball, you could have a tough night shooting, so you may need to pass more or make plays on defense. In baseball, I know a lot of people don’t like the small ball but if I need to drop a bunt down or sacrifice, whatever I have to do to help us win.”
Looking over his career, Gentile reminisced about some of his sporting highs, which included two memorable highlights from soccer.
“My freshman year, we played in the North semifinal where I scored the game-winner against Watertown to get us into the final during our Cinderella run,” Gentile said. “Then just this past season, we played the fourth seed in the state and we won 2-1 and I scored both goals, which was awesome.”
From playing three sports, Gentile mentioned how his time management skills have improved over the years.
“Sports really taught me time management,” Gentile said. “You’re getting out of practice at 6 every day and you still have to do homework. It’s a good skill to have later in life that I know I can get my work done quickly, but efficiently.”
Gentile also mentioned that he believes he’s the man he is today because of sports.
“Sports have been my entire life up until now,” Gentile said. “Whenever someone says ‘That’s Alex Gentile,’ that Alex Gentile that they see is made because of athletics. It taught me to be a good teammate, which helped me become a better person. It taught me the leadership skills that I have now that I can use later in life.”
