Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Henry Wolfe, New Trier baseball

Henry Wolfe is a senior catcher for the Trevians. He will continue playing at Elon University next season.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

For me, being a catcher, I definitely have to get a big stretch in before a game, especially my legs. I have to be mobile and flexible back there, always be in an athletic position. For hitting, just trying to slow things down. I think a lot of times, guys definitely get overwhelmed. So I take a couple deep breaths, just focus in on you and ht pitcher, slow the game down.

2. Why is Elon College right for you?

Honestly, it’s a great fit for me. I love the location down in North Carolina, great weather. When I started talking to the coaching staff, I could really feel they cared about their players. It’s more than just baseball for them. They talking about developing into, yes a good baseball player, but into a good person, and down the road good husband and someone who is good for the community. The school is great, academics are really strong there. Playing at the Division-I level was always a dream of mine. … I can’t wait to get down there.

3. What is your favorite thing to do off the field?

In-season, it’s tough. We have a lot of practice, games, and you get your extra work in off the field. A big part of that is hanging out with teammates off the field, building that team chemistry. There is nothing better than after practice or a game going out to get food with your teammates. I try to hang out with my friends who play different sports too. It’s good to mix in with those guys, too. That’s something that’s important to me.

4. You are a leader of New Trier’s Green Team (student fan section). What do you enjoy about that?

It’s awesome. I’m super proud of my high school and the athletics. We’re pretty strong overall athletically speaking, and it’s awesome going to those games and seeing us succeed. I have a lot of friends on those teams. I grew up with those guys and it’s awesome seeing them succeed on a high level. … A big part of what New Trier does well is to bring (big fan) numbers to the game and they are excited to be there. I enjoy doing that for my school.

5. Who is your favorite athlete?

Baseball-wise I really look up to Adley Rutschman (Catcher—Baltimore Orioles) right now. He’s a young guy and I really like his mindset. He talked about being able to put catcher first. The defense comes first, not worrying as much about your at-bats and doing what you can for your team as a catcher. … It’s definitely something I embody in my game.

6. What do you like about being a catcher?

I come from a long line of catchers. My great-grandpa was a catcher, my grandpa was a catcher; my dad played third base, but catching is kind of in my blood. Right away when I started playing baseball my dad and grandpa wanted me to be a catcher. I fell in love with it right away. Being involved in every play made it really fun. … I love it and wouldn’t trade it or anything else.

7. If you could play another sport, what would it be?

I played football last year (2021) and also played hockey my entire life and stopped playing sophomore year. Either one of those. I loved playing football last year. It was a great experience. … It just happened it didn’t work out with where I wanted to go collegewise. I played hockey as long as I can remember. I loved every second of it. Some of my best friends to this day I met from hockey.

8. If you are in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

I’m a big tea drinker. I like sweet tea, and then maybe some (sunflower) seeds. Sweet and spicy seeds. Those are my go-to.

9. What is something people don’t know about you?

(Via text) Something people might not know about me is why I wear the No. 7 in baseball and football. Seven means a lot more to me than just a number. In 2021, Dylan Buckner took his own life due to a long and hard battle with severe depression. Dylan was the starting quarterback at (Glenbrook North) and had 13 offers to play football in college. Not only that but he was someone I grew up with and someone I looked up to. Our parents work together, and I always strived to be like Dylan growing up. He was a role model for me and I wear No. 7 as a tribute to him and play every game trying to honor his legacy as well as trying to live up to the amazing person he was on and off the field.

10. What can this year’s Trevians accomplish?

I think we have a different mindset this year. Coming off 2021 when wemade deep run into playoffs, last year the guys expected us to be handed things. This offseason we really got after it. We have a different hunger this year. I don’t want to get ahead of myself … but we’ll take it one game at a time. We have a lot of talented guys this year. … We’re going to have a very successful season if everything can get put into place.

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