Jacob Colgan is an ASU Cronkite Journalism student assigned to cover Arcadia High School for AZPreps365.com

Brad Resnick stands on the mound calmly; he doesn’t panic when facing pressure. Those moments have changed since last year as he’s become a reliable pitcher for Arcadia High School.

“Honestly, just confidence,” says Resnick. “I pitched three innings last year, but after the first one, I lost all confidence and didn't pitch again for about 10 games. Like the coaches, I didn't trust myself.”

Pitchers need confidence, and Resnick lacked that quality last season. He observed while he wasn't competing. Everything changed for him mentally after last season.

“After the season was over, I took a few weeks off to clear my head, and then it was back to work,” he said. When summer ball started, I forgot about last season and started over.” Everything began with that reset. 

Head coach Jeff Fierro talked about Resnick, saying he has seen a big improvement in Resnick’s confidence, saying, “I think his confidence has definitely improved. He's doing a lot of things that allow him to be successful. This has been a big change from last year,” Fierro said. “He's worked really, really hard, and it's super exciting to see a guy like him be successful.”

In the offseason, Resnick emphasized consistency in the weight room, on the field, and, most importantly, in a shifted mindset. He said he was “just putting in the work.” 

“I don’t play club ball, so I guess I would just have to say it was a mental thing that gave me confidence,” he said. “Clearing my brain and starting over helped me regain my confidence and get outs on the pitch.”

The mental reset began throughout winter training, especially in January when the team started live at-bats. “That's when the coaches could really see what I had,” Resnick said, “And that's when I started to feel more sure of myself.”
 

Resnick has had a fantastic start to the season with his 2.52 ERA in 8.1 innings, making him a reliable arm on the team.

This success can also be attributed to tiny improvements made in the offseason. “Not much, just a few small mechanical changes. Mostly altering pitch frequency,” Resnick said. “The only thing I trusted last year was a fastball. This year, curveballs are my main weapon for bad contact.”

He credits pitching coach Austin McWilliams with teaching him. “He sat down and talked to me about how to use the pitch, what my role is going to be, and how to get outs,” Resnick said

McWilliams said adjustments have helped Resnick throw more strikes.“We've kind of tapped him and used him in the role where he's coming out of the bullpen,” he said. He's gotten a start opportunity as well, but he's just thrown a lot more strikes. I think he’s fueled his position a lot better.”

Resnick has held onto that optimism through the season that has exceeded his expectations. 

“It's going better than I thought it would for me,” he said.“I didn’t think my coach would give me a chance after last year, but now that I have one, I’m taking it. 

His teammates have also noticed the confident boost Resnick has had in himself this year. Fellow pitcher Hank Jensen said he has done a phenomenal job. “Last year, he didn’t pitch a lot and wasn’t in our rotation,” Jensen said, “But this year he’s worked hard, and something clicked for him.” 

Resnick’s story carries a message for everyone facing similar challenges. “Keep going and be ready. Your chance is coming, so take advantage of it,” he said.

Resnick got another opportunity, and this time he was ready.