Back on The Farm

When Zach Hoffpauir was selected in the 2015 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, he was enthused to go all-in on his opportunity for a pro baseball career. Hoffpauir left Stanford after that spring and played his first season in the minors. The door remained open in his mind to return to The Farm, however, and a few months later he picked up the phone.

"If I went later than I was supposed to go in the Draft, I had the idea of returning," says Hoffpauir.  "I called Coach Shaw last December during the Rose Bowl practices and explained that I'd really like to come back.  He said that he'd love to have me back, and a scholarship was waiting for me. That was exciting."

For the two-sport star -- a safety in football and baseball outfielder -- something even better was in store.

Hoffpauir had practiced and competed year-round in football and baseball for three years at Stanford.  When teammates of one sport reached their off-season and cycled into fewer hours, he was still churning at full speed in-season for his other sport. It never stopped.

"When you compete at this level in two sports," says Hoffpauir, "you are in a constant state of vigilance.  There is no time off."

Hoffpauir lived at home after his season of pro baseball and took charge of his own time and decisions. He rested.

"Some days I slept until 1 p.m.," he says. "It was okay to lay on my couch. I went to the lake or hung out with friends when I wanted to."

That was a much-needed change after the previous seven years, including a four-year high school career that saw him compete annually in four sports (football, baseball, basketball and track).

"I got to see what is really most important in my life -- my spiritual life and my mental wellness," says Hoffpauir. "Playing two sports, I had a lot of anxiety.

"Now I look at things differently after my professional year. Mentally, I'm in such a better spot."

The communication major re-enrolled at Stanford in the spring quarter. Hoffpauir took 20 units (the University maximum) and jumped into the first spring football practices of his career. Most of his friends were graduating as he was returning to school. It was all so different. It was good.

"When I came back, I was at peace," says Hoffpauir. "That's when you play your best. I feel really good right now. I'm as prepared as I can be for this season, and I'm going to keep getting better."

Transforming his body back into football shape was not easy after 15 months away from the gridiron. He began training in January with a higher volume of running for his lungs and his legs. After his first football practices in April, Hoffpauir joined the team for the first time in spring strength and conditioning and the full summer training session.

"I'm in great shape," says Hoffpauir. "I may be sore because some of these muscles hadn't been used, and my body wasn't used to contact. It all feels good."

With Hoffpauir's recharging of his spirit and narrowed focus on one sport, his wellness is at a new high heading into his final year at Stanford.

"It's been a good ride," says Hoffpauir. "I'm ready to accomplish my goals of getting my degree and playing in the NFL. If the NFL doesn't work out, baseball is still a possibility, too."

His eyes are bright and his soul is full again.  The possibilities are limitless for a renewed Zach Hoffpauir.