At just 15 years old, Samanyu “Sam” Mahajan is already learning how to balance academics, athletics, and a genuine curiosity about the world.
A freshman at North Broward Preparatory School, this is Sam’s first year at the school after attending Coral Springs Middle School. The transition, he admits, came with its own challenges. “For me, it was about making new friends,” Sam says. “When I came here, I only knew one person, but now I’m enjoying finding new friends. I’ve also gotten used to the expectations, both academically and sports wise when it comes to high school.”
Sports have long been a defining part of Sam’s life, with baseball currently taking center stage. He plays first base, third base, and pitches for his school team, though pitching remains his clear favorite. That passion began early, thanks to a coach who made a lasting impact. “He gave me an opportunity to pitch, continued to help me and taught me more,” Sam says of Coach Rob, who encouraged him when he was just eight years old. Today, Sam is focused on refining his skills, particularly increasing the speed of his pitches as he gains more experience and confidence on the mound.
Academically, Sam is just as driven. “I like math a lot, science, and geography,” he shares, noting that baseball also plays an important role off the field by helping him manage stress. The structure and focus of the game provide a mental reset after demanding school days, allowing him to stay grounded and motivated.
When baseball season winds down, soccer fills the gap. Sam has played the sport from a young age and currently competes in the Coral Springs Youth Soccer recreational league. While he has excelled in soccer over the years, he approaches it with a lighter mindset. “When it’s not baseball season, this will keep me fit and active,” he explains. “I mostly just play soccer for fun.”
Beyond athletics, Sam’s interests reveal a thoughtful and inquisitive side. He enjoys playing chess, spending time outdoors, listening to music, and occasionally unwinding with video games on his new PS5. At school, he participates in policy debate, an activity he finds especially engaging. “You have to think on your feet and be quick with your response,” Sam says. “I would be very comfortable debating about politics and what’s going on in the world currently.” His interest in understanding reasoning and logic extends into psychology, a subject he enjoys studying and hopes to pursue one day as a psychiatrist.
