Aaron Nola – 2014 People to Watch

Occupation: Pitcher, LSU Baseball
Hometown: Baton Rouge
Age: 20

LSU’s star right-handed pitcher Aaron Nola isn’t immune to term papers or roommate dilemmas over dishes, even if that roommate is National Shortstop of the Year Alex Bregman. A sports administration junior, Nola says the key to balancing college life and the pressure of being a nationally recognized athlete lies minutes away from campus at his parents’ house, where he and his brother Austin meet for family dinners.

“He’s been through just about everything I have,” Nola says of his brother, who played alongside him in his freshman season at LSU. “I can relate to him more than just about anyone.”

As next month’s season opener approaches, the younger Nola is conditioning physically and mentally to help lead the Tigers to Omaha in what many believe will be his year before going to the majors. His first goal, though, is simple: “Before we worry about the Series, we just have to win that first game.”

“Don’t take anything for granted.”

Follow Nola on Twitter at @AaronNola10.