LSU Baseball redshirt sophomore Mic Paul spoke to the media on Thursday ahead of the Tiger’s series with Omaha.

Paul is coming back to the team after taking a medical redshirt following a Thoracic Outlet Syndrome diagnosis in April.

Paul experienced blood clots in his shoulder as well as a pulmonary embolism caused from the syndrome. Paul spent four days in the ICU before getting a surgery to remove a rib, relieving pressure from his veins.

While many athletes may see a health event like this as a negative, Paul is choosing to see it as a positive.

“It’s something I’m very thankful for.I think you can get caught up in the day to day and not realize how many blessings and gifts you have,” Paul said.

“It was almost the complete opposite of a dark place for me. It was a very peaceful time for me…it was one of those situations where you become very thankful for all the blessings you have and just the opportunity to play baseball in the first place,” Paul said.

During his recovery, Paul focused on each day as its own.

“I think just going into it with the perspective I gained just taking it one day at a time and not dwelling too much on any result. Knowing that it’s a process…It was just great to get back into things and just play baseball,” Paul said.

This season, Paul is focused on the coaches process and his own development as a player.

“I just want to develop as a player, trusting the coaches process we have here and the player development process, that’s something I really believe in,” Paul said.

“Going into every game i’m just trying to stay present and help my guys out in anyway I can…Not really looking at ‘when will I get in’ but just trying to have that selfless piece and help the team in any way I can,” Paul said.

Paul will look this season to make an impact on the team not only as an outfielder, but as an example of a selfless and patient teammate.