Student Athlete of the Week: Drew Stapp

Drew Stapp is the definition of a two-sport athlete. A senior leader for Niwot High School's baseball team and a top golfer, he has been making his mark on both fields of play. With a career .291 batting average and .344 on-base percentage, Stapp has been a reliable presence at the plate this season, hitting .312 through the first six games.

This past weekend, Cougar baseball traveled to Queen Creek, Arizona, for a tournament, where Stapp went a perfect 3-for-3 in the opener on March 20 and 5-for-8 across all three games.

Stapp has been playing baseball since he was four years old, and over the years, the sport has become a central part of his identity. While his individual stats are notable, Stapp's focus remains on the team's success.

"My goals this season are to help my team in the best ways possible," he shared. "I really want to hit well when they need it, play first (base), and most importantly, lead our guys as far as we can in the postseason."

Head Coach Ken Rosales praised Stapp's leadership qualities, highlighting his presence in the dugout. "Drew is a very vocal leader. This year, he has been very vocal in the dugout with very positive comments."

His leadership extends beyond baseball. Stapp is also a three-time state tournament qualifier in golf, where he was consistently Coach Ed Weaver's first seed. He has been an integral part of Niwot's golf program, balancing both high school sports with club baseball for RoughRiders as well as volunteer work.

That same work ethic carries into the classroom. Stapp enjoys a variety of subjects, but his favorites are math, U.S. Government, and English.

Off the field, Rosales commended Stapp's character and academic dedication. "Drew is a positive person in school, and he studies hard. He has been part of the leadership academy and takes everything he learns in that and brings it to the classroom and the field."

Athletics, however, have given him some of his most cherished memories. Reflecting on recent experiences, Stapp highlights Niwot's Arizona baseball trip as a season-defining moment. "I had a lot of fun this golf season with state, but I also loved the Arizona trip we just had with the baseball team," he said.

"I enjoyed the team bonding and being able to spend the week with the guys. I also thought we learned a lot of positive lessons when playing some pretty good teams, which I think will help us a lot for the season to come."

Through all his achievements, one moment stands out the most - his first varsity pitching appearance as a freshman. "It was such a cool feeling being able to compete with the older guys and helping them win," he recalled.

When it comes to his approach at the plate, Stapp believes in keeping things simple. "I like to have one key to focus on when hitting, and that helps," he shared. Before stepping into the batter's box, he reminds himself to "put [my] hands back and do damage."

A mental trick passed down from his grandfather, Art Stapp, also helps him stay focused. He sings a song in his head while hitting. While he cycles through a variety, his go-to tune is likely his walk-up song, "Hip Hop Hooray" by Naughty by Nature.

With a strong start to his senior season and a clear leadership presence, Stapp is poised to make a lasting impact. Whether on the baseball field, golf course, or in the classroom, Stapp continues to exemplify what it means to be a Cougar.

Rosales has no doubt that Stapp will continue to thrive in the future. "Drew has been a very good player to have on the team," he said. "I'm sure he will be successful in life."