St. Vincent de Paul Sophomore Josh Malik’s athletic journey has not been easy, but has raised a lot of eyebrows in the high school field and in the next level.
In Malik’s freshman year, a torn labrum kept him from playing football and basketball. His injuries have forced him to overcome adversity throughout much of his high school career.
“I've injured both shoulders, but my left one was significantly more severe, and I've had surgery to repair that,” Malik said. “I’ve been staying consistent to this to recover and have kept my eyes on working out and getting back into sports.”
Malik fit in nicely as a pitcher and third baseman on the diamond, but did not see many appearances on the mound or at the plate. However, the improvement has been evident to many.
“He has a knack for getting better in the batting cage and the weight room,” head baseball coach Spencer Finkbohner said. “He’s most improved on the mound. He’s been more consistent with all his pitches and has been able to do the little things that make him a complete pitcher.”
In the shortened season last spring, they went 10-7 overall and 5-3 in North Bay League - Redwood play, with one-run wins against Healdsburg, Piner (in extra innings) and Santa Rosa.
Following the spring baseball season, Malik was looking toward playing football to begin his sophomore year. He had his eyes set on a varsity position.
Unfortunately, after further hurting his shoulder, he decided to undergo labrum surgery that would keep him out for another football season.
After going through a lot of rehab and physical therapy, Malik set his sights on a late start to the basketball season. He joined the rotation right away on the junior varsity team this past season.
He quickly became a starter and impressed many in his time on the hardwood. He showed his inside presence averaging six rebounds per game and quickly became a primary post option.
“Once he got healthy, I threw him right in the fire, and eventually, he worked his way into becoming a starter for us,” head junior varsity boys basketball coach Nick Iacopi said. “Moving forward, I see him being a big part of the varsity team next year. But overall, he is a great kid to have around.”
He also caught the eyes of head varsity boys basketball coach Tom Bonfigli. When the varsity team went through a COVID-19 outbreak, inherited the sixth man role in a pair of games against West County late in the season.
“Him deciding to play basketball has been a really pleasant surprise. He is somebody that we really need to get in our program and develop,” Bonfigli said. “I think he can really help us, and I think he can compete for a starting position.”
As the varsity team will be looking for size next year, it is safe to expect a large role for Malik in his junior season. With the loss of forwards Dante Antonini and Killian Collins, Malik will be a welcome sight given his size and strength around the basket.
After helping the Mustang junior varsity squad to a 17-win season, Malik was pulled up for the North Coast Section Division 5 playoffs.
When spring sprung, Malik inherited the ace pitching role for the Mustang baseballers.
So far this season, Malik has helped the team to a 8-6 record overall and 4-3 record in North Bay League - Redwood play.
He has had six mound appearances with a 2-1 record, and has struck out 16 batters, walking eight in 20 innings pitched, with a stunning 1.75 ERA.
This performance from Malik has also caught the attention of scouts and coaches from the next level. He has been invited to the HeadFirst Honor Roll California Baseball Showcase Camp, which highlights star high school baseball players who are also excelling in their academics.
Notable colleges so far that will be attending this showcase are Butler, Columbia, Duke and Army.
Throughout the baseball season, Malik has also been keeping tabs on football workouts and meetings. This fall, he will pad up for the first time in his high school career.
He will most likely also be competing for a starting tight end role for the reigning North Coast Section Division 7 champions.
Cameron Eisenhauer, head strength and conditioning coach and head wide receivers coach has a high opinion on the up and coming junior.
“I’m excited to see what he's able to come out and do, especially this summer for workouts,” Eisenhauer said. “I know he definitely has been in the weight room trying to get stronger and be able to stabilize the shoulders. So the main thing is just staying healthy and developing into a tight end.”
So far Malik has only been able to practice with the football team. In August, when St. Vincent travels north to take on St. Bernard’s in Eureka to open the high school football season, he will be able to play his first football game.
“It's been great being a three-sport athlete at St. Vincent,” Malik said. “I've gotten to be a lot more athletic and stronger over my couple years here so far.”
However, with all the early success in his high school athletic career, Malik is staying humble and looking to make his mark at St. Vincent de Paul and beyond.
