Former pro athlete turned sales leader shares his journey and calls for stronger support systems for young athletes navigating life after sports.
WOODBRIDGE, NJ / ACCESS Newswire / June 23, 2025 / In a newly released exclusive interview, Andrew Ciolli, Inside Sales Manager at Cad Energetics and former Baltimore Orioles draft pick, opens up about his unique path from professional baseball to business leadership-and why he believes youth mentorship and mental resilience deserve more attention.
"You fail a lot more than you succeed in baseball," Ciolli says. "But the point is to keep showing up. That's the game-and that's life."
Ciolli's story is one of transitions, lessons, and long-term thinking. Drafted by the Orioles in 2018, he spent three seasons in professional baseball before pivoting to a career in aerospace supply chain engineering and eventually into sales leadership. Now based in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, he's combining his professional drive with a growing commitment to community impact.
But his latest spotlight isn't just about his own journey. Ciolli uses the platform to highlight a bigger issue: the lack of structured support for young athletes as they exit sports and enter the professional world.
"We train athletes to perform, to compete, to win," he says. "But we don't always teach them how to pivot when the game ends. That's where mentoring matters."
According to a 2022 NCAA report, only 1.6% of college baseball players go on to play professionally. For the majority, transitioning to "real life" can feel like a loss of identity and direction. Ciolli's experience reinforces the need for programs that help young athletes develop skills that extend beyond the field-communication, adaptability, and problem-solving.
"I didn't see engineering or sales coming," Ciolli admits. "But I was curious and willing to learn. I think more athletes need that message early: curiosity is a strength."
Ciolli, now a baseball coach himself, mentors youth not just in hitting techniques, but in life habits. "Coaching keeps me grounded," he shares. "It's my way of giving back and staying connected to what shaped me."
Beyond the field and office, Ciolli recently completed the OCIA program and was confirmed in the Catholic Church-another step in his personal development.
"Growth isn't just about your job title," he says. "It's about your values. I want to lead with integrity, not just results."
As conversations around athlete mental health, youth development, and life transitions gain momentum, Ciolli's message is simple but powerful: "Resilience can be taught-but we have to show up for these kids before they fall through the cracks."
Call to Action
Ciolli urges communities, schools, and organizations to invest in mentorship, create life skills workshops for young athletes, and encourage open dialogue about transitions beyond sports. Whether you're a parent, coach, or business leader-step in, ask questions, and offer guidance.
"You don't need to have all the answers," Ciolli says. "Just be willing to listen and show up consistently."
About Andrew Ciolli
Andrew Ciolli is a former professional baseball player turned business leader. A graduate of Mercyhurst University and a Woodbridge Township resident, he currently serves as Inside Sales Manager at Cad Energetics. Ciolli is passionate about mentorship, teamwork, and helping young people build resilient futures-both in and out of sports.
To read the full interview, click here.
Contact: info@AndrewCiolli.com
SOURCE: Andrew Ciolli
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire