Korbyn Werner of Wichita East set clear goals heading into the season, focusing on leadership and production on both sides of the game.
“My primary focus this season was being a team leader and to achieve a .400 batting average by the end of the season and have at least 25 strikeouts,” Werner said.
Werner said his impact comes from his defensive reliability at shortstop, along with his ability to make consistent contact at the plate and use his speed on the bases.
“I consider my defense at shortstop and my contact hitting along with my speed as my main strengths,” Werner said. “I used these in various ways as I can bunt the ball and make it to first base quickly. I can also do a job and put the ball in play in crucial games and situations, and I make the simple and some hard plays at shortstop that are important for winning games.”
In preparation for the season, Werner focused on adding strength and improving his power at the plate. He worked throughout the offseason to reach those goals.
“Some things I wanted to work on was getting stronger along with hitting harder,” Werner said. “I hit with a hitting coach (Knox) with Untamed Athletes and I believe that I succeeded at being able to hit harder. And I went to the gym almost every day in the summer with the main goal of gaining muscle for sports.”
For Werner, success is measured both by team results and personal achievement.
“A successful season for me would look like the team having a positive record and having a chance at a regional championship,” Werner said. “For me personally it would be completing my individual goals.”
