By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent
Name: Marcus Hornacek
Parents: Robert and Jennifer Hornacek
Activities: Basketball, baseball
Twitter: @HornacekMarcus
Nickname: Marco
Marcus Hornacek is a senior at Notre Dame Academy.
He recently completed the basketball season and also plays baseball.
Despite being afraid of heights, Hornacek said he enjoys roller coasters.
What’s it like to be a senior leader?
“I like the aspect of being counted on. I’m there when teammates need someone to talk to. Knowing my actions are magnified helps me. I always make sure I’m the best person I can be.”
What’s your most memorable baseball moment?
“Hitting a go-ahead home run in regionals during middle school.”
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“A professional athlete.”
What was your favorite thing about playing basketball for head coach A.J. Alexander?
“The confidence he had in each individual to give their all and give the team the best opportunity to win. His positive attitude was contagious and helped the team come together.”
If you could be somebody for a day, who would it be?
“Pro basketball player Stephen Curry.”
Carpet or hardwood?
“Carpet.”
If the 2020 high school baseball season is played, what will be the best thing about the Notre Dame team?
“Having the underdog mentality, because many people will count us out. Having extra outside noise on us will make the team stronger and work harder to exceed expectations.”
Do you have any sports memorabilia in your room?
“I have an autographed Donald Driver football I received as a kid.”
Favorite drill at baseball practice?
“Live batting practice.”
What are your hobbies?
“Hanging out with friends and family, skiing in the winter and playing recreational hockey. I like spending as much time outdoors as I can.”
Talk about being a two-sport athlete.
“I’ve always been a multi-sport athlete, and I believe each sport helps me perform in the next. Playing multiple sports has made me successful in all the sports I have participated in. For me, focusing on only one sport has never been an option. I have seen the benefits of participating in more than one.”
What’s your normal at-bat routine?
“Know the situation and what the goal of the at-bat is. When I’m ahead in the count, I go after pitches I know I can hit. When I find myself behind in the count, I make sure to expand the zone and do my best to put the ball in play. Understanding the situation and time of the game is crucial in my normal batting routine.”
What five words describe you?
“Motivated, respectful, caring, friendly, confident.”
What’s your favorite trip ever taken?
“Going to Boston to watch my mom run in the Boston Marathon. I also went to a Red Sox game and went on a whale-watching trip.”
On a weekend in the winter, I can be found …
“Playing basketball and hanging out with friends.”
What’s your favorite pro basketball team?
“The Golden State Warriors.”
Notre Dame is a private school, but where do you live in the area?
“De Pere.”
Where’s your desired location to watch a Major League Baseball game?
“Fenway Park in Boston.”
How many of the 200 seniors do you know at Notre Dame?
“I know the faces of most of them, so I could probably name more than half.”
Fruits or veggies?
“Fruits.”
If you could join one club at Notre Dame, what would it be?
“The Chinese Club.”
A half-court shot to end the half or a behind-the-basket hoop?
“Half-court shot.”
A bunt to bring in the winning run or a diving catch to save an out?
“A diving catch.”
Favorites
Food: Chicken tenders
Subject: English
Color: Blue
Television show: “MasterChef”
City: Minneapolis
Holiday: Christmas