By Derrick Smith

Role models can play a significant role in the lives of high school student-athletes. While some may look up to professional athletes or celebrities, others may look up to people they are a little closer to. Nate Beitel says that the people that have made the most significant impact on his life are his parents. 

“My parents are my greatest influences,” he said. “They taught me that you can get anything if you work hard for it. YOu have to be willing to put in the work if you want to achieve your goal.”

Beitel is a senior at Regent Preparatory School. He is a three-sport athlete, playing basketball, soccer, and tennis for the Rams. Nate has worked hard to become the player that he is today and he says that it takes more than just showing up to practice.
“I have put in a lot of hours of hard work and dedication throughout the years,” he said. “These hours are outside of the team’s regularly scheduled practices. Sometimes it takes extra work to become better.”

There have been some memorable moments for Nate throughout his career, but he says that one achievement ranks as his favorite moment. 

“Last season I was named All-Conference,” he said. “I had a really good season and it felt great to have my hard work pay off.”

Kerwin Dees, the head coach of the Regent Prep boys basketball team, says that Beitel is an outstanding athlete and a great kid off the court. 

“Nate plays point guard and is one of the top shooters in the state with unlimited range,” Dees said. “He averaged 17.5 points per game last season and looks to build on that this season. He is a top honor student with a very high ACT score and he is drawing attention from college coaches for his shooting, play, and academics, along with creating high expectations for his Senior year at Regent.”

Along with playing sports, Nate is also the secretary of the Beta Club and he also serves as the Academic Bowl team.