Sam Zercher '23
Applied health science with a pre-professional health concentration
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
As a fourth-generation Messiah graduate, Sam Zercher ’23 says that the Grantham campus has always been a large part of his life. He did look at a few other schools, though, before officially deciding on his family’s alma mater.
“I chose this major because I love learning about the way the body works and applying this knowledge in hands-on ways. At Messiah, I knew I was going to be able to get involved in research opportunities, and this was exciting for me. I was also offered a spot on the baseball team, which contributed to my decision,” he said.
Not only was he offered a spot, he served as the team captain during his senior year. With 11 homeruns in his senior year, he also set the single-season homerun record in his last game.
“Being a part of a group of men that has helped to move the program forward on and off the field was an incredibly rewarding experience. Seeing the program develop into something I am proud was one of the best parts of college,” he said.
Baseball combined with his degree in applied health science will come in handy during his gap year while he works as an assistant coach for the Messiah men’s baseball team and at a physical therapy clinic.
“I am excited to apply the knowledge I have gained over the last few years to serve those in the community around me. I am also excited to be a part of the same baseball program as both my brothers [Isaiah ’25 and Henry ’27] for the first time in our lives,” he said.
After the gap year, he plans to attend graduate school. He says his biggest inspiration is another doctor, his grandfather.
“He spent many years as a surgeon in Tanzania during the 1970s and to hear about the lengths he went to, to serve those around him, inspires me to serve those around me,” he said. “He and my grandmother are strong in their convictions and went to great lengths to further the Kingdom, and, if I am able be half the person they are, I’d be happy.”
— Anna Seip