Hometown: Sunnyvale, CA

Major: Business Management

Position: Starting Pitcher for the De Anza Dons

Dream School: Sacramento State University

Favorite Pro Athlete: Tiger Woods

Most memorable baseball moment: Last season against Orange Coast Community College. “It was my first collegiate start and we ended up coming away with a victory and it was when I realized that I could compete at the collegiate level,” said Poss.

“Brendon is pretty special; he doesn’t throw 90 MPH-he hardly throws 80 MPH, but he knows how to pitch,” said pitching coach Dave Salter. “I think I have been able to be effective based on my ability to throw strikes. Also, another factor I think that allows me to succeed is the control of my pitches. A well-located pitch is tough to hit no matter how hard you throw it,” said Poss. This outstanding sophomore showcased his talent on Feb. 16, facing Modesto College, pitching 7.1 shutout innings, which contributed immensely to De Anza’s first win of the 2008 season. “To contribute in any way possible to getting that first win, felt really good,” said Poss.

During the course of the game, Poss overcame every situation he faced, including several with runners in scoring position, with a calm and collected aura. “When I go out there, I accept the fact that I am going to give up some hits along the way. It is the way that you cope with giving up a big hit, or giving up a home run, or bouncing back from an error that is going to decided whether you can succeed at this level. Being mentally tough is a huge part of my game,” said Poss. Coach Salter adds, “He’s savvy, and he makes up for his lack of velocity with being a good pitcher-not a thrower, but a pitcher.”

He aspires to play baseball as long as he feels he can be competitive, and would like to call it quits on his own terms. “[I don’t want to] have someone else tell me I can’t do it anymore,” said Poss.

Now that the Dons have mustered their first victory of the season, Poss finally shaved off his bushy beard, which he vowed to leave in tact until the team had won a game. At least there will be no more caveman sightings on campus. Just kidding.

Luis Cardenas is a staff reporter for La Voz. Contact her at [email protected].