As Ramapo High School’s baseball season begins, senior Marco Gualda reflects on his impressive journey in his sport. From his early days in kindergarten to his senior year at Ramapo High School, Marco’s dedication to the game has shaped him into the athlete he is today.
Marco’s love for baseball began at an early age, playing T-ball in kindergarten, a sport that quickly became a family tradition. Influenced by his mother, who introduced him to the game and is a lifelong New York Yankees fan, Marco grew up watching the team.. His mother’s passion for the game was a driving force that ignited his own love for baseball, setting the foundation for what would become a rewarding athletic career!
Throughout middle school, Marco’s passion for baseball only grew stronger. He was a busy athlete, playing for four different teams: middle school, travel, club, and recreational leagues. It was during this time at Franklin Avenue Middle School that he truly honed his skills. As he stepped to bat, beginning his high school career, Marco’s hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Last year, he earned the prestigious Tri-County MVP award, a testament to his excellence on the field. A beloved teammate, Sean Kohan, expressed his appreciation for Marco, “From the moment Marco stepped on the field he made a huge impact. Marco is a powerhouse with his powerful swing and catching skills. He’s a real team player”. Not only is he an exemplary teammate, his bright personality shines in the classroom as well. A former teacher of his, Mr. Jackson stated, “Marco is a special young man who is kind, thoughtful, considerate and always respectful. He demonstrates a genuine interest and curiosity about history and the world around us that I truly value as an educator. Most days, he stops by my classroom for a brief chat or just to smile and say hello because he understands that being friendly and kind doesn’t cost anything and can brighten someone’s day.” Outside of his baseball career at Ramapo, Marco continues to be heavily involved in baseball, playing for his club team, TBT, and even giving back to the community by umpiring games for Wyckoff Rec.
One of Marco’s favorite aspects of the game is the thrill of making a big play. “The feeling when you’re doing well is so rewarding, even though the sport comes with a love-hate relationship,” he shares. However, his journey has not been without its challenges. Overcoming obstacles like adjusting his batting stance and adapting to faster-paced competition, Marco also faced a significant arm injury that required surgery. Currently he is out but he’s set to return at the end of April!
Despite these challenges, Marco’s greatest talent lies in his ability to be coachable, constantly striving to improve his skill. As he prepares to continue his baseball journey at Albertus Magnus College, Marco plans to major in finance and play baseball at the collegiate level. After graduation, he hopes to secure a well-paying finance job.
When he’s not on the batting field, Marco enjoys a variety of other interests, including music, hiking, and following NASCAR. He’s also an avid baseball fan, besides the New York Yankees he is also particularly fond of the Atlanta Braves and the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Marco Gualda’s determination and passion for baseball have not only shaped his high school career but will continue to drive him as he moves forward into college and beyond.
