Hicks is a former UVA baseball player who has always handled teasing with a positive attitude. He acknowledged that his perspective has changed and now focuses on being productive during the week while at the field, allowing him to prioritize being a father and husband when he is at home with his family. His wife Leslie and sons Walker and Kash were there to support him when he walked the Lawn as a UVA graduate on May 19.
Hicks’ hard work studying in the clubhouse paid off when he finished the semester with a GPA just under 3.5, his best in college so far. He joins a list of former players under O’Connor who have returned to earn their degrees while still contributing to the team. Notably, Kevin Arico, an All-America pitcher, served as a student assistant in 2015 when UVA won the national championship. Other program standouts like Danny Hultzen and Tyler Cannon have also followed this path.
What sets Hicks apart from the others is his dedication to his role. Despite commuting 50 minutes each day from his hometown of Goochland, he never misses a practice unless there is an emergency with his children. O’Connor recognizes the tremendous value Hicks adds to the team through his commitment and presence every day.
