Gustavus senior Mike DesLauriers (Minnetonka, Minn.), a four-year starter at shortstop for the Golden Gustie baseball team, was recently selected as the focus in the MIAC Profiles of Excellence series produced by College Sporting News. DesLauriers, an All-MIAC First Team selection in 2007 and Third Team All-Region honoree last year in baseball, was also a member of the Gustavus men’s basketball team.
Reporter Rich Mies writes:
While not completely extinct, the two-sport college athlete is a rapidly vanishing breed. More and more high school athletes opt to focus on a single sport, in hopes of securing a college scholarship. Those who do play multiple sports in high school often are forced to choose one when they reach college. “I was recruited by several Division II schools for baseball, including several that offered me a partial scholarship,” stated Mike DesLauriers of Gustavus Adolphus College. “I was told by them that I’d have to give up basketball. I wanted to play both sports, and being able to do so was a big part of my decision to come here.”
“Mike is one of those student-athletes that only come around once in a great while,” stated Coach Carroll. “He is a fierce competitor, who has the ability to mask his intensity by carrying himself outwardly in a calm, easy going way that shows teammates and the opposition that he is completely poised during the most stressful times in competition. He is a very smart baseball player and is able to leave his ego at the door, as a total team player. He has been a pleasure to coach and our team will have a very big void to fill when he graduates.”
Mike’s determination to play two sports in college led him to Gustavus. He looks back and is satisfied with his choice to do so, as well as with his experiences at Gustavus. “The people here — students, coaches, faculty and staff – have made it a great place for me. My coaches have been very accommodating and supportive. They have been very understanding, especially in March when the two sports overlap. Gustavus has given me a great education. The accounting department here is very strong. I came out of college with a job lined up and feel Gustavus has prepared me for my future.”