Studying and home runs: Garrett's path to Kufstein

When a passion for baseball and academic further education come together, the result is an extraordinary success story. This is exactly what Garrett Gagnon, scholarship holder at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol and player for the BSC Kufstein Vikings, is currently writing. He exemplifies how effectively the sports scholarship at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol combines competitive sports and studies – and how enriching this cooperation is for everyone involved.

A UNIQUE SCHOLARSHIP FOR BASEBALL TALENTS

The baseball scholarship at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol is awarded in close cooperation with the BSC Kufstein Vikings. It offers players – including international players – the opportunity to study at the university while playing baseball at a professional level in the men's team. The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation costs, sports insurance, gym access, a meal allowance, and the Kufsteincard – a comprehensive package that perfectly combines academic and athletic ambitions.

At the same time, scholarship recipients commit to regular training sessions, athletic participation during the season, and at least one academic year of residence in Kufstein.

A CLUB WITH HISTORY AND A FUTURE

The Kufstein Vikings, founded in 1991, are one of Austria's most traditional baseball clubs. They are among the top clubs for young talent and regularly provide players for national teams. Currently, the focus in the 2nd Bundesliga is on strong youth development and a long-term return to the top division.

There is a special connection to the university through Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Bernhard Eidherr, who is the managing director of FH Errichter- und Betriebs GmbH and also manages the Vikings baseball team. He praises Garrett's role in the club: "Since his first day, Garrett has not only integrated himself seamlessly into the team, but has also become a valuable part of our entire club community. His commitment to the youth program deserves special mention: with great dedication, patience, and motivation, he supports our young players and is a role model for many. Garrett embodies ‘lead by example’ in its purest form - both on and off the field."

AN AMERICAN IN TYROL – GARRETTS BASEBALL JOURNEY

Garrett Gagnon is 28 years old and is studying for a master's degree in Sports, Culture & Event Management. He is originally from Vermont, USA – a region he tongue-in-cheek compares to Tyrol: similar amounts of nature, except that Tyrol has the bigger mountains and Vermont has the better maple syrup.

His passion for baseball began early and led him to Wells College and Pine Manor College, among others, where he also completed a bachelor's degree in performing arts. Stints in New York City, Seattle, and across North America followed before an offer from the Vikings brought him to Kufstein in the summer of 2024. And it felt right immediately: “I was and still am thrilled by the lively and welcoming community that the Vikings have built. This club stands for consistent friendliness, transparency, and support. Becoming part of the Kufstein Vikings family is one of the most wonderful experiences of my life.”

Thanks to the scholarship, he can now not only study and play baseball, but also live in Kufstein all year round - a decisive factor, as it allows him to provide intensive support to the club in its youth development work, especially in winter. With the new indoor training cage, the club has the best conditions for promoting young talent. Gagnon plays a central role here.

DUAL CAREER PATH WITH PROSPECTS

Garrett's everyday life is challenging: training sessions on the field, coaching youth teams, games on the weekends, and a demanding master's degree program. Nevertheless, this is exactly how he envisions his ideal life: one filled with movement, personal development, and community.

He emphasizes how important the support from the university and the club is to him - and how much he already considers Kufstein his second home.

FH KUFSTEIN TIROL: EFFECTIVE SUPPORT

For the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol, the sports scholarship program is an important contribution to promoting talent and bringing international perspectives to campus. Prof. (FH) Dr. Thomas Madritsch, Managing Director of the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol, emphasizes the importance of the initiative: "Our sports scholarships show how closely top performance and academic development can be intertwined. We are delighted that athletes like Garrett Gagnon enrich our university – professionally, athletically, and personally."