Spring has finally arrived, and with it comes the excitement and energy of the Pine Creek baseball team. With athletes from all grades showcasing their skills and passions, the bond between players is as strong as ever. This season, the team is all about combining personal goals with a shared mission.
Jacob Lentz (Pitcher, 12th Grade)
Jacob Lentz has been playing baseball since he was a little kid. As a pitcher, he thrives on the thrill of striking out batters. “This season, our toughest game was against Louis Palmer, but every challenge helps us learn and grow,” Jacob explained. He dreams of playing baseball at the collegiate level, hoping that success in his first two years will allow him to transfer to a larger school. His favorite player, Justin Verlander, inspires him because of his exceptional skills on the mound and his ability to perform under pressure.
Kyle McDonnell (Third Base, 11th Grade)
Kyle McDonnell has been playing baseball since he was five years old, and he enjoys the fast-paced nature of the game from third base. “The chemistry on our team is fantastic; we really feel like brothers,” Kyle said, emphasizing the strong bonds formed through countless practices and games. One of the toughest challenges they faced was last year’s game against Cherry Creek, where the competition was fierce with several Division 1 recruits. Kyle hopes to continue his baseball journey in college and admires Javier Baez for his confidence and flair on the field.
Aidyn Williams (Outfielder, 11th Grade)
Aidyn Williams plays as an outfielder and enjoys the opportunity to see the entire field. “The team chemistry is great, and I believe we can go far in the playoffs this year,” he said confidently. For Aidyn, the toughest game was against Cheyenne Mountain, but he sees it as a learning experience. He dreams of playing baseball in college and ultimately getting drafted, taking inspiration from Mike Trout’s legendary work ethic.
Gavin Ust (Utility Player, 10th Grade)
Gavin Ust was influenced by his dad to start playing baseball and finds joy in being versatile across various positions. “Practice is enjoyable; we accomplish a lot while still having fun,” he explained. Gavin described their nail-biting game against Pueblo West, where they managed to win in the last inning, calling it a defining moment for the team. With aspirations to play baseball in college, Gavin is currently focusing on improving his hitting skills. His favorite player is Trey Hunter, whose style resonates with him.
Braydan Morneo (First Base, 9th Grade)
Braydan Morneo has loved baseball since childhood. As a first baseman, he enjoys the action as he fields numerous balls. “Practice is intense, but it’s where we’ve built amazing chemistry as a team,” he shared. The toughest game for Braydan was also against Pueblo West, where they clinched the victory with a last-minute walk-off hit. He dreams of playing baseball in college, following in the footsteps of his older teammates.
As the Pine Creek baseball team continues through the season, the combination of hard work, strong player chemistry, and individual aspirations creates an exciting atmosphere. The team is focused on improving, having fun, and achieving success while representing Pine Creek with pride. With dreams of the playoffs and beyond, these young athletes are committed to making this season memorable.
