Being the youngest of five kids, BYU outfielder Sean McNaughton was always surrounded by role models, but none had as great an influence on him as his older brother, Troy.

"I always wanted to be like him," McNaughton said. "He set the example for me."

Although his interest began by wanting to emulate his brother, McNaughton said he has always loved the game of baseball and now plays for himself.

He began his baseball career when he was just five years old. He has been playing every year since, except for a two-year hiatus he took to serve an LDS mission in the Washington area.

"I just didn't keep up with baseball on my mission," McNaughton said. "You leave everything behind once you decide to serve, so that's what I did."

The two years spent away from baseball did not impact McNaughton's game. He picked up right where he left off as BYU's lead-off batter. McNaughton proved to be a valuable asset his first year on the baseball team when he tied a league and school record with two triples in a solid win over Air Force.

This year has been nothing but improvement for McNaughton. He nailed 87 hits and 14 homeruns on the season with a .363 batting average. His stats aren't shabby, especially when the only contact he's had with baseball for two years has been a few games of catch.

McNaughton attributes his success to constant family support and endless practice.

"Baseball is a family event for us," the outfielder said. "My mom has missed maybe five games the whole year."

With parents who live in Lakewood, Wash., this is a major commitment. His mother and father travel almost every weekend of the season to make their son's games.

His parents also influenced his decision to come to BYU. Along with both parents, his four older siblings are BYU graduates.

"Washington State heavily recruited me and actually offered me a better scholarship," McNaughton said. "But it was an easy decision to come to BYU."

One of many collegiate athletes' most difficult challenges is balancing the grueling schedule of training, practice and games with the demanding pressure of academics.

McNaughton seems to have found a system that works, accumulating a 3.6 GPA both semesters this year.

"It's all about setting goals and prioritizing your time," he said. "After a mission, you learn to use your time wisely."

Time management also includes down time to unwind and relax, for which McNaughton definitely makes time. His relaxing includes playing tennis, riding his scooter with roommates and being outdoors.

McNaughton has high hopes for the future, and hopes to be drafted "to the next level."