Iron Sharpens Iron

Persistence, not circumstance, defined the path forward.

For Knights fifth-year captain and right-handed pitcher Kris Sosnowski, the path to success has been anything but linear. From repeated surgeries to high-pressure moments on the mound, every setback has reinforced the determination that defines his career.

Born in New York and raised in Tampa from the age of 5, Sosnowski grew up immersed in sports. His parents encouraged him to play everything from soccer to basketball to football. However, it was baseball that captured his attention. By the age of 7, he was hooked after hitting a home run in his T-ball game, one of his first memories of the sport.

Despite finding early success on the field, Sosnowski didn’t focus on pitching until his senior year of high school. He spent most of his youth at third base and in the outfield. Even now, he jokes that he could still swing it, even though his coaches may not buy it.

Sosnowski’s early development was shaped by more than just talent. In middle school, his coach, Steve Montgomery, became a key mentor in his journey. A former professional player who continued to share his passion through coaching, he taught Sosnowski the fundamentals of the game and the discipline he needed to succeed. The lessons he learned formed the foundation of his skill and his approach to competition at the collegiate level.

Throughout his journey, Sosnowski also credits much of his success to his parents. From driving him to practices and tournaments as a child to supporting him through injuries and the pressures of college baseball, their guidance and encouragement have been constant.

Baseball runs in the family beyond his own love for the sport. Sosnowski has two brothers who also played the game: Michael, who played junior college baseball in Texas, and his younger brother Jonny, now a sophomore at Lake-Sumter. Growing up with siblings who shared his love for baseball added another layer of motivation and support, pushing him to keep improving.

That foundation was tested and strengthened at Tampa Jesuit High School, a baseball powerhouse known for its rigorous program. Sosnowski thrived in a competitive environment where every practice and game demanded his best. He quickly learned how to push through adversity, especially after tearing his ACL as a freshman and suffering another tear while rehabbing the first injury. Even with those setbacks, he returned to compete in spring tryouts his sophomore year, a critical moment that reinforced his resilience and determination.

Beyond the injuries, high school taught Sosnowski the importance of preparation, mental toughness and leadership. The expectation to perform and the school’s strong baseball culture meant that every practice, scrimmage and game mattered. By his senior year, he had honed not just his physical skills but a mindset that would carry him to the next level — a combination of patience, focus and the ability to thrive under pressure.

By the time recruiting arrived, circumstances had limited his window. An early career limited by injury and a COVID-shortened junior year left only his senior season to prove himself. He embraced the challenge and ultimately earned an offer from UCF, a program that aligned with both his athletic and academic goals.

College brought a new level of intensity for Sosnowski. From the first day on campus, every hitter demanded focus, and every inning required maximum effort. Practices were longer, schedules more demanding, and the margin for error narrower. For Sosnowski, learning to treat each moment independently became essential.

Freshman year brought another major setback: Tommy John surgery. Sosnowski redshirted, spending the year learning the game from the sidelines and observing older teammates navigate high-level competition. Watching two now–fifth-round draft picks handle pressure and strive to perfect their game shaped his own approach to pitching and leadership.

Returning to action, Sosnowski quickly established himself not just as a reliable arm but as a leader. By his junior year, teammates were seeking his advice, and his consistency earned him the role of team captain for the 2025 season. Leadership, he said, has always been about more than personal performance. Team success and culture drive everything.

Even with growth and recognition, adversity continued to test him. Three major surgeries, lingering injuries, and high-pressure outings challenged both his body and his mind. Through it all, Sosnowski has remained defined by his approach: competing in the moment, moving past setbacks, and focusing on what he can control.

High-stakes games, including regional postseason appearances, revealed his ability to perform under pressure. Sosnowski treated every outing the same, trusting his preparation and the fundamentals instilled in him from middle school onward.

Now in his fifth year, Sosnowski carries the lessons of his journey onto every mound. To him, wearing the black and gold represents a legacy, a culture, and a responsibility to those who came before and those who will follow.

Persistence has been the constant. Circumstance has been the test. For Sosnowski, the path forward has been earned, not given, and the lessons along the way have defined him both as a player and as a leader on the field and in the classroom.

Sosnowski earned his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology in May 2025 and is now pursuing a master’s degree in integrated business. Balancing the demands of high-level baseball with challenging coursework is just a small part of what makes him a vital leader on the team. The discipline, focus and resilience that define him as a pitcher have carried over to his studies, reflecting the same commitment to excellence that has shaped his entire journey.

Looking back on his journey, Sosnowski sees each challenge — from injuries to high-pressure moments on the mound — as part of a larger story about perseverance and growth. For him, baseball has never been just about wins or statistics. It has been a test of character, a way to inspire teammates, and a measure of how far determination can take someone.

As he prepares for his final season, Sosnowski hopes his story serves as a reminder that resilience, hard work and a love for the game can define a career just as much as talent. Looking ahead, he hopes to continue playing baseball for as long as possible while keeping his options open beyond the field. While he hasn’t mapped out every step, his focus remains on competing at a high level and applying the same discipline and perseverance that have guided him through injuries, high-pressure games and academics.