Talents Beyond The Field, The Court And The Pool

By Nikki Colonna

Staff Writer

There are student athletes on Lynn’s campus that have talents beyond their primary sport. Not only are they talented on the field, on the court and in the pool, but also in other areas that most of their classmates do not know.

Ben Fagan, junior, plays second baseman and shortstop on the Fighting Knights baseball team, training hard to help his team with their goal to win a national championship. He has been playing baseball for years, but has also developed another fascinating talent: trick shots with golf balls.

His secret hobby of performing fun tricks and extreme shots with golf balls went viral when he shared his talent on social media.

“My favorite shot was probably anything that had to do with juggling the ball on the club,” said Fagan.

He has also expanded his tricks to magic and other props. Fagan and his fellow trickster from back home, knew they had a great idea, but they had no idea their fun would go viral. For Fagan, trying out new ways to draw people’s attention has become part of the fun.

“We were able to grow to over 10,000 followers but it became difficult to continue doing trick shots,” Fagan explained. “This past summer, we started doing some Dalton and Ben, videos where we post magic videos.”

Though only having roughly 200 followers on his new Instagram page, he continues to post and share his hobby and talents on social media with the hopes to grow and entertain.

Fagan is not the only student-athlete on campus with a hidden talent. Lynn basketball player, Daniel Cooper, junior, has his own secret talent as well.

This being his second season at Lynn, Cooper’s talents are the results of his dedication to the role as small forward on the team.

Although basketball is his passion, Cooper has also been able to explore his other somewhat unexpected talent, acting.

His career in drama began when he was a junior in high school. It was not long before his ability, along with his outgoing and spirited personality, caught the eye of many producers. He has been featured in several commercials and movies over the last three years.

“I tried out to be a stunt double for a basketball movie but I ended up getting a leading role [in Playin’ for Love],” explains Cooper.

He has a great deal of support behind him from his family, friends and teammates who want him to succeed and take his talent to the next level after his college basketball career ends.

“The best part about this is that I am able to help out my family financially while doing something I enjoy,” said Cooper. “I have big plans to continue and use this talent in the future.”

Lynn’s student athletes are very talented in their respective sports but one never knows what other hidden talents and hobbies the Fighting Knights enjoy.