Senior Mikey Navarrete Has Sights Set on Championship

By Katariina Kiviranta

University of Tampa Spartans infielder Michael "Mikey" Navarrete thinks his team has come back so strongly from the Covid-19 shut down it is now primed for a National Championship.

The senior has produced a steady .273 batting average in his collegiate career, and can play anywhere in the field when needed. But it's his leadership skills and work ethic that are his most valuable assets to the team, according to coach Joe Urso.

"He's the first one on the field almost every day, working hard, and he's a role model for others," says Urso, whose legendary program has already garnered eight previous Division II titles. "Sometimes it's not just about a batting average, it's the intangibles and what he brings to the team, and he's very valuable to us."

Expectations are high for the team, and for Navarrete, as one of its senior leaders.

"Definitely, every year in Tampa, that's our goal, National Championship, and if we don't win it, our season wasn't a success," says Navarrete, by Zoom. "As long as you're working hard, I believe it sets up for greatness for you."

Navarrete feels fortunate to get one more chance to win a title with the Spartans.

"I got lucky when coach Urso offered me another scholarship to come back," says Navarrete. "I definitely want to win a championship, and every year when we go into our first practice our first conversation is, 'We're here to win a National Championship' so that's definitely my goal.

"And I believe we have a great group of guys to do it."

This season is going to be Navarrete's last in Tampa, and the future is still a mystery — he dreams about playing overseas, or coaching together with his brother Frankie.

He's also found something outside of baseball that really makes him excited.

"I started my own clothing line, called Fearless Believe I Belong, with my cousin (Jose Navarrete)", says Navarrete. "It's a motivational clothing brand, like when people doubt themselves and feel lonely, I want my clothing brand to give them a reminder that you can do it if you put your mind to it, and believe in yourself.

"You can accomplish what you want."

Eventually Navarrete is hoping to start a podcast, where people can talk about their challenges and how they overcame them, so that everyone can understand that they are not alone.

Katariina Kiviranta is a post-grad sports journalism student at Toronto's Centennial College.