Amya Zapien is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Corona Del Sol High School for AZPreps365.com.

Balancing academics and athletics is a constant challenge for high school seniors preparing for the next level. For players like Cooper Clouser and Ryan Caruso, the journey to college baseball has required discipline, sacrifice, and an understanding that success on the field starts in the classroom.

"Before I do anything else in the evening, I do everything that I need to do for school," said Clouser, a catcher committed to Arizona State. "I always make sure that I am on top of my schoolwork."

Head Coach Dave Webb, who has emphasized academics since taking over in 2006, reinforces this mindset.

"Players who come to Corona seem to have a pretty good idea of our academic standards," Webb said. "If not, we talk about it on day one. We maintain our standards and refuse to lower them. The amazing thing is kids will always rise to the standards."

Caruso, a right-handed pitcher also heading to ASU, follows a strict routine to manage his responsibilities.

"I go to school from 9:30 to 2:15, then I have practice from about 5-6," Caruso said. "After that, I get food before heading to the gym to work out. It's really hard to find time to do homework without taking a break from anything."

The recruiting process adds another challenge. Clouser knew early on where he wanted to commit but still found the process stressful.

“It was truly a surreal experience to visit schools, but I knew in my heart that I've always wanted to be a Sun Devil,” Clouser said.

Webb plays an integral role in guiding players through recruitment.

"Just about every college coach, at all levels, calls me at the start of a player’s recruiting process," Webb said. "I will always be honest in making sure it is a good fit. College baseball can be a rough entity to navigate."

Caruso said he also felt the pressure of being a recruit.

"It's challenging when people know that I am committed to ASU," he said. "Obviously, people are going to be happy if they get a hit off me and make fun of me, but it's inspired me."

Preparation for college baseball goes beyond athleticism. Clouser has taken personal steps to develop both physically and mentally.

"I've worked with mental coaches and strength trainers to get ready for Division I baseball," he said. "Baseball is a mental and physical game, and you need to train in both to be ready for college."

Webb said he ensures that players are prepared for the transition.

"We practice hard, we train them as if they were college athletes, and we play one of the most difficult schedules in the state every year," Webb said. 

Caruso said he believes the key to adjusting to the next level is discipline.

"I’ve already kind of prepared for that, making time for homework and getting everything I needed to get done," Caruso said. "It's going to be a big adjustment, but I've already prepared myself."

Both players said they recognize the skills they’ve developed in high school will help them succeed in college.

"Anything is possible as long as you care about it long enough," Clouser said. "Caring about school and baseball at the same time, even though they're hard to balance, proved to me that if you put your heart into something, you can achieve it."