Rukyo Sawada

Baseball has been a huge part of my life, and through it, I’ve faced plenty of failures and setbacks. But every challenge I’ve struggled through has made me more resilient, teaching me how to turn obstacles into opportunities. That mindset has shaped the way I approach my career and personal growth—whenever I have to make a choice, I tend to go for the harder path, knowing it will push me beyond my limits. That same thinking is what led me to study abroad in the U.S.

During my one-year exchange at UCI, I had to adapt quickly to a new environment, refining my persistence and ability to navigate unfamiliar situations. That experience gave me the confidence to believe that no matter where I am, I can work hard, contribute, and grow.

One of my biggest strengths is my ability to connect with people and keep pushing forward, no matter the challenge. At Doshisha University, I started off as a second-team player, but through continuous effort, I worked my way up and became an integral part of the team. I naturally took on the role of bridging the gap between the first and second teams, helping create a stronger, more unified team culture. At UCI, even though I was just an exchange student and a team manager, I put myself out there, built relationships with the players and coaches, and eventually earned enough trust to be asked to give a speech to the entire team. Those experiences didn’t come easy—they were the result of overcoming setbacks, learning from failures, and never giving up.

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