By Eason Dong – Staff Reporter

Mr. McPartland is an assistant coach for the Jonathan Law baseball team. Advocate Staff Reporter Eason Dong interviewed McPartland about the baseball season.

Eason Dong: Looking back on the season, what are you most proud of from your team this year?

Assistant Coach Matthew McPartland: I’m most proud of the growth our players showed over the course of the season, both on and off the field. From day one, we emphasized developing a stronger, more resilient mindset, and the team really bought into that. You could see it in how they handled adversity and competed every day. That mental growth is something that will stick with them far beyond this season.

ED: What was the biggest challenge your team faced, and how did the players respond to it?

MM: Our biggest challenges this season were staying united and maintaining a positive mindset through ups and downs. Like any team, we faced moments of frustration and adversity, but the group worked hard to stick together. The players made a conscious effort to support one another and keep things moving in the right direction. That commitment to staying positive helped us remain competitive throughout the season.

ED: Which players really stepped up as leaders during the season?

MM: Our captains – Jackson Judge, Brady O’Neil, and Aiden Ramos – did an outstanding job leading the team, especially when it came to setting the tone for the younger players. They consistently modeled the work ethic and attitude we expect in our program. At the same time, several younger players stepped up in big moments and delivered when it mattered most. That combination of strong senior leadership and emerging contributors was a big strength for us.

ED: What was your favorite moment or game from this season and why?

MM: Our extra-inning win against North Haven is probably my favorite moment for our team from this season. It was a game where everything came together – our effort, our execution. More importantly, it showed the players that we can compete with anyone on our schedule. That confidence is huge, and it’s something we can carry forward.

ED: As you head into next year, what lessons from this season will help the team improve?

MM: The biggest lesson is the importance of getting better every single day, regardless of the outcome. We’ve talked a lot about focusing on the process and letting the results take care of themselves. When the team commits to consistent effort and improvement, success tends to follow. That mindset will be a key foundation for us moving forward.