Co-Captain Luke Gallo ’25 exemplifies hard work and camaraderie within Andover Baseball. Gallo strives to embody being a powerful leader for the team through his work ethic and dedication. As a pivotal force within the team, Gallo not only excels on the field but also serves as a source of inspiration, motivating his teammates to strive for excellence.
For Gallo, it was love at first swing. Gallo started playing baseball at three years old following his passion for being outdoors and drew inspiration from his sisters.
“I have been swinging a bat since I was three years old. My older sisters played softball. It was something I fell in love with when I was a kid. My dad would toss a baseball as I swung a bat to try and hit it. I always wanted to be outside and be active and baseball became my first love. As soon as I picked up a bat, I fell in love with the game,” said Gallo.
Gallo strives to give his all to practice, priding himself on creating a greater, tight-knit community within his team. On the team, Gallo highlights the culture of fostering close and authentic relationships between team members.
“I lead by example. I am all about my team on and off the field. I give all that I have with everything that I do. I’m not the biggest or the strongest out there, but I try to help my team out in every way possible. I give my maximum effort… We all share with every teammate a special friendship and family… I want my teammates not to see me as a teammate or Captain but as a friend,” said Gallo.
According to Owen Callahan ’26, Gallo leads with discipline by exemplifying a hard worker and serving as a role model on the team. Callahan highlighted Gallo’s leadership although he is the only Upper Captain of the team.
“Luke, as a player, he is one of the hardest-working kids I know. He always gives 100 percent, going over the top. As a Captain, even though he is only an Upper, he has the same responsibility as the other Captains. As a teammate, he treats everyone like a brother, and he always has everyone on their team’s back and is in their corner, ready to fight for them,” said Callahan.
Three-year teammate Marek Krystofolski ’25 noted Gallo’s easygoing nature and ability to hold good conversations as an integral part of bringing the team together. Krystofolski noted Gallo’s sense of humor as a bonding point.
“He is a great baseball player, and he knows everybody. He is very funny at times, but not as funny as me. Luke is a close third behind me and Matthew DeBenedictis ’25. He also is really great at connecting with his teammates through conversation. For example, he sometimes brings his golf analytics into baseball and we talk about them, but I am better at golf than him,” said Krystofolski.
As an Upper Captain, Gallo emphasizes this season and the next as a pivotal time for him to grow as a player and a Co-Captain. He commented on his aspirations of leading by example and developing team chemistry.
“I see myself growing over the year. That’s my goal, which is to get better and lead my guys and my team… More new guys as well. I look forward to seeing those guys look up to me. Development is my goal, not just for myself but for my teammates, and we can get better and establish better relationships with both the old and the new and create a stronger bond,” said Gallo.
Callahan noted that Gallo holds everyone to a standard that he knows they can achieve, striking a balance between being lighthearted and disciplined.
Callahan said, “He motivates everyone by holding everyone accountable. He holds everyone to a standard that everyone can reach. He does the sort of opposite of calming people down. He tells us how good we can be, and it gets us really excited.”
As a Division I commit to Boston College, Gallo hopes to continue growing as he makes the jump from high school to college baseball.
“I’m committed to Boston College, and I have been nothing but grateful to the administration and coaching there, as well as travel and Andover coaches. Just like in the Captain situation, which is just to keep developing not just physically but also mentally. College is another level, so I need to listen to others and myself. I know my priorities and the things I need to get done. I also thank all of my friends and family who have helped me develop in a positive way,” said Gallo.
