Connor Bernatz

Classroom

Bernatz maintains a 3.3 GPA in business administration. He is interested in working for a start-up company in the future or being involved in some entrepreneurial endeavor. Bernatz’s specific area of interest is the growing mobile web industry.

Character

Bernatz started in center field as a freshman and sophomore and was slated to be the team’s starting center fielder again as a junior. It was a role he loved and was proud of playing. A few weeks into the season, a junior college transfer started excelling in right field and it became obvious that he was a better fit for center field. Bernatz recognized that fact and with no animosity switched positions with the transfer. Bernatz knew the move would make the team better and that is what is most important to him. Bernatz didn’t stop there as he continued to help the transfer get to know the Dons’ system and make him comfortable within the program. He is also one of the team’s captains and a vocal leader. Bernatz does not shy away from reminding his teammates to do things the right way and calling them out on behavior that could hurt the team.

Community

During this past fall, Bernatz spent the semester tutoring a young student at the De Marillac Academy, which is a school that serves low-income families and at-risk students. He helped the student with his academic work, but also served as a male role model for him and tried to help encourage good decision-making. Connor is a firm believer in the difference it can make for young men to have strong male role models in their lives. He has strived to provide positive examples for young men and jumped at the chance to help mentor a young man. Bernatz has also interned in the alumni development department and takes part in team volunteer events such as the school’s Thanksgiving food drive, Nike Women’s Marathon, the Tom Caruso Run and team fundraiser for cancer research.

Competition

After his junior season, Bernatz was named to the All-West Coast Conference first team. He needs just two more doubles to break into the school’s all-time list for doubles. As a freshman, Bernatz was a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American after hitting .347.