Alex Rosati:
Alex is one of the youngest on the Baystate Bandits in Division Two at the age of seventeen while his peers are mostly averaging in their mid twenties. Hailing from Melrose, MA, Alex Rosati struck me as very mature individual for his age for what he does playing as the first attacker in the snake. In the pits he’s focused and ready to his job on the field, he wants to win for his team, and works hard at his parents bakery to get to the NXL and perform with the Baystate Bandits crew. He was a fresh pickup necessary for the team, a young killer with many years ahead that is something interesting worth talking about and someone to watch for the future that lies ahead.
Splatlife: Tell me the story of how you got on to the Baystate Bandits. I heard you were scouted and put into the program, how did it all go down?
Alex: So I actually played on an NEXL team that played against the bandits and I guess when we played them and while I played locally Jeff and Benny were keeping an eye on me. After the season ended, Jeff sent me a message on Facebook saying that there was a possibility that I could play and develop in the bandits camp. I waited a little and decided to take up the offer and got invited to come out to war zone to see if I gelled with the guys. Things worked out and I ended up making the decision to join the bandits.
Splatlife: Nice, do you you see yourself developing more since you made the switch?
Alex: For sure, Benny taught me a lot in not too much time and then from that point the guys really pushed me and pushed each other to get better and the results have shown.
Splatlife: It definitely shows man. I saw new footage at Dallas. I didn't get to see it in person though. Who's your favorite person on the team?
Alex: I love the whole squad, we all gel real well and in this event in particular everyone showed that they came to play.
Splatlife: Yeah they did, I was impressed with their performance since the video series. How did you like Dallas?
Alex: Dallas was pretty cool. I thought past venues were a little better but nonetheless it was a good event overall.
Splatlife: Definitely. What did you think about the fields? I was expecting a mud fest at the end of the day.
Alex: Well it was kinda the opposite of what I expected haha. I was also expecting it to be muddy and slick, but to my surprise the fields were pretty rough and rocky. The luxe field was fine but the eclipse field and other fields were pretty rough.
Splatlife: I definitely almost core sampled because I didn't slide at all like I'm used to. Did you see any funny moments at the events at all in game or off the field?
Alex: I'm really surprised I didn't see any core samples, but not too much craziness happened on our field.
Splatlife: That's good. On the way back from Dallas on Sunday what were some things you and the team talked about for the next event?
Alex: We tried to stay positive and one thing we were talking about is we've made the steps necessary to get to Sunday consistently, so our next obstacle is learning to win out our Sunday matches. We need to learn how to play Sunday paintball.
Splatlife: How did you feel personally?
Alex: I felt like I played well but I made a lot of little mistakes that I know I won't make again.
Splatlife: What is your role on the team and is their any pressure to perform while being one of the youngest along with Harrison?
Alex: I play mostly front on the snake side and there's still a lot of pressure on me to perform as a starter regardless of my age.
Splatlife: As long as you're killing it and confident in your abilities you're good! I like the pressure personally, I'm the same size and position as you but different age (laughs). What do you do for work to get to events?
Alex: I work at a bakery in downtown and my parents support me which is basically what makes it possible
Splatlife: I gotta visit there, do you make cannolis?
Alex: I make the best cannolis.
Splatlife: You should send me one some how (laughs). You have awesome parents to support you through this sport, how long have you been playing tournament paintball?
Alex: (Laughs) I would but it'd be bad when it got to you. I've been playing for almost six years now.
Splatlife: Six years a good amount of time to play the game. I'm so used to hearing ten to fifteen years, you'll get there I'm sure.
Alex: (Laughs) yeah I'll be around for a while.
Splatlife: What would be some good advice you would give to guys your age but are hesitant to take a step further in paintball?
Alex: I think the best advice would be don't get discouraged if you're getting shot a lot and you're not as good as some as the older guys. Just do what you can to get out and play as much as possible and you'll get there in time.
Splatlife: Lastly is there anyone you'd like to thank?
Alex: I'd like to thank anyone who's helped me out through the years to get to where I am now. Anyone who's given me a shot maybe I shouldn't have deserved.