Below is a press release from Austin Prep:
READING, MA — For Austin Prep senior Sophia Fanuele, of Wilmington, every moment of a baseball game has a sound—and she is responsible for making sure it is the right one.
At Austin Prep, Fanuele curates the game day soundtrack as part of the school’s student-run Baseball Operations program. From walk-up songs to the national anthem and in-between innings music, she manages every audio element, ensuring each moment is timed precisely and contributes to the rhythm of the game.
In baseball, sound is part of the experience—the crack of the bat, the rhythm between pitches, the walk-up song that signals a moment. It is part of what makes the game feel familiar, memorable, and connected to tradition.
“Being super attentive is really the only way that it’s going to work out,” Fanuele said.
Running the Game Through Sound
Fanuele is responsible for organizing and executing every player’s walk-up music, a role that requires preparation, timing, and constant awareness of the game.
Before the season, she gathers song selections from players and builds out the full music plan. During games, she adjusts in real time for lineup changes and substitutions, ensuring each song plays at the exact right moment without interrupting the natural flow of the game.
What sets her apart is her command of the details. Fanuele knows every player’s walk-up song off the top of her head, allowing her to operate seamlessly as the game unfolds.
At Austin Prep, that responsibility is part of a broader system. The Baseball Operations program, led by English faculty member Michelle Flaherty with full support from Head Baseball Coach JP Pollard, gives students hands-on roles in everything from announcing and music to statistics and game management. The experience mirrors the structure of high-level college athletics and places students in real, accountable positions on game day.
Fanuele is part of a student team that includes Lucas Ortiz ’26, Abby Ventullo ’27, and Katarina Burke ’27, each responsible for key elements of the game day experience.
Through her role, Fanuele has developed a deeper understanding of the game beyond what happens on the field.
“Learning what goes on and how the game works behind everything was really interesting,” she said.
Shaping the Rhythm of the Game
The soundtrack does more than fill time between pitches. It helps define the pace and feel of the game, creating an environment that connects players and fans to each moment.
Each walk-up song reflects a player’s identity, while the timing of each cue contributes to the overall rhythm. The result is a game day experience that feels cohesive, intentional, and familiar—part of what makes baseball unique.
Flaherty points to Fanuele’s leadership and composure as key to the program.
“She’s a very calm presence, and she’s great at encouraging younger students who are just learning,” Flaherty said. “She runs the walk-up songs, plays the anthem and times it exactly right, and builds the playlists—making sure everyone has the music they want.”
Beyond music, Fanuele contributes across multiple areas of game day operations, stepping in wherever needed to support the team.
At Austin Prep, that kind of real-world experience is the goal. Students are not just learning about roles in sports, they are actively doing them.
For Fanuele, that means understanding not just what the game looks like—but what it sounds like—and making sure every moment feels exactly right.
Sophia Fanuele ’26 manages walk-up music and game day audio for Austin Prep baseball, helping shape the atmosphere at the field..
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