Player Spotlight: Jackson Cook #2
“I was born in Elmira, New York. I attended Horseheads High School and graduated in 2023. I moved to Florence in August 2023 and have been here since. I play left field for FDTC baseball and plan to graduate this spring.”
Hometown: Horseheads, New York
Year: Sophomore
Major: Associate of Arts
Background:
"I was born in Elmira, New York. I attended Horseheads High School and graduated in 2023. I moved to Florence in August 2023 and have been here since. I play left field for FDTC baseball and plan to graduate this spring."
Future Aspirations:
"I will be attending the College of Charleston next semester to continue playing baseball while pursuing my bachelor's degree in professional studies."
What led you to Florence-Darlington Technical College:
"I was originally committed to play baseball at the University of Missouri but decided not to go there. After that, I knew I wanted to come down South to play. It took me some time to figure out where I wanted to be, but after conversations with Coach P-Mac, it became an easy decision to join the program and work toward my degree."
Experience at FDTC so far:
"It's been a roller coaster of emotions. I've dealt with injuries two years in a row, including one that required Tommy John surgery. But I wouldn't change it for anything. I've made friends from all over the country—people who will be in my wedding someday and who I'll consider family for the rest of my life. The lessons I've learned from my coaches and teammates will stay with me forever. Being part of two World Series teams has been an unforgettable experience—something you dream about growing up. Number three is on the way this May!"
Biggest challenges and resources that helped you succeed:
"School has never come easily to me, so adjusting to college was a challenge at first. Learning how to balance baseball, classes, staying on top of assignments, and taking care of my body without much structure was difficult in the beginning. But once I developed a routine, everything became much more manageable."
"My first year, I got injured after just three games and wasn't able to play much that fall. The next year, I came back ready to take full advantage of my opportunity, but I ended up needing elbow surgery, which sidelined me again. At that point, I thought my baseball career might be over. Baseball had been my life for as long as I could remember, and I didn't know what I would do without it.
But I was wrong. Those setbacks made me more motivated and determined to prove people wrong and keep playing for as long as I can. It helped me realize that baseball isn't everything—it's a part of my life that I love, and I want to keep playing until the time is right, not just until things get difficult."
