Latest news with #Class4A
Chicago Tribune
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Valparaiso's Caden Crowell, the 2025 Post-Tribune Baseball Player of the Year, is in ‘best possible position'
There are variables involved with recent Valparaiso graduate Caden Crowell's next team. But about Crowell's most recent team, which won the Class 4A state championship on June 21, there's no uncertainty in his mind. 'It was special,' Crowell said. 'I've played with a lot of different teams. But if I had to pick one team to play on for the rest of my life, it would be this team.' Behind Crowell, a Notre Dame recruit and Major League Baseball draft prospect, the Vikings made history with their first state title, following their first regional and semistate titles. In the championship game, the 6-foot-3 Crowell tossed a two-hitter with eight strikeouts and two walks in an efficient 85 pitches as the Vikings beat Evansville North 5-0. He also went 4-for-4 with a run-scoring ground-rule double. Crowell, a left-hander who also plays first base, tied the 4A championship game records for fewest hits allowed by a pitcher, set in 2004, and for the most hits by a batter, most recently accomplished in 2001. Crowell, the 2025 Post-Tribune Baseball Player of the Year, closed his stellar career for the Vikings (26-5) by going 9-0 with a 0.25 ERA, allowing only three runs — two earned — and 18 hits in 55 innings. He struck out 97 and walked just 11. He also hit .375 with three homers, 24 RBIs and 32 runs scored. Valparaiso coach Todd Evans said Crowell 'puts himself in the best possible position' through his physical and mental preparation, including working out and studying scouting reports. 'Caden set high goals for himself this year, and he achieved just about every one of them,' Evans said. 'At the beginning of the year, we always meet as a team at my house, and we set individual and team goals. His individual goal was to be Gatorade player of the year. He did not achieve that, unfortunately. But he's going to end up achieving just about every other goal. 'He's a North-South All-Star. … We win a state championship. There's just plenty of other accolades that are going to make his senior year very, very memorable.' Crowell established himself as an impact player when he was a freshman. But he saved his best for last. 'My velo was up from last year, so it's easier to put guys away earlier,' Crowell said. 'But pitching-wise, it was just a confidence level. It was knowing that when I go out there and have my best stuff, there's no one in the country who can touch me. I just go out there and just say, 'Here's my stuff, have at it. If you get a hit, good for you. The next guy's not going to.' 'And just the trust factor of my team behind me, that was huge too. But it was just knowing having the most confidence going into every game and just attacking guys and not pitching around them.' Crowell said he weighed 210 pounds at the beginning of the season, up from 190, but settled in between 200 and 205. He boosted his speed on the bases, his endurance on the mound and the velocity of his fastball. 'I was up to 92 (mph) last year, and I was up to 94 this year,' Crowell said. 'But my tail-end velocity is what really went up. I was sitting 2 to 3 miles an hour harder consistently throughout the whole game, and I could hold my velocity. In the regional championship, I was still up to 93 in the last inning, and that was really good.' Crowell also produced offensively, particularly later in the season. 'Hitting-wise, I started out slow,' he said. 'I was putting so much pressure on myself hitting because I wanted to get my name out there as a two-way and really assert myself as that. Finally, I was like, 'I just need to relax.' I hit like .600 in the postseason and just went off from there. It definitely was just the confidence in the work I put in in the offseason and trusting that.' Where that work takes Crowell, who was committed to Louisville earlier in his high school career, remains to be seen. He's scheduled to report to Notre Dame on Aug. 25. The draft begins July 13. 'We'll see what happens,' he said. 'I've definitely had a lot of teams interested, but it's going to be a tough decision to make. I'll be talking with my family, my people that are in my corner, my support system, just seeing what they all say and seeing what's the best option for me for the long run.' Evans knows Crowell has options. 'At the beginning of the year, that's the time when a lot of scouts are more active because once the college season gets going, it's a little bit more difficult to swing by those high school stadiums,' Evans said. 'But at the end of the year, we're facing Lake Central and Josh Flores is on the mound, and every MLB team is represented. We're facing Logan Cotton against Crown Point the week after, every MLB team is represented. When we're facing Javy Carrera against Boone Grove, every radar gun is up behind the backstop. 'I don't know where his draft status is right now, but it's definitely a possibility. It's definitely something on the radar. If and when that comes to fruition, decisions will have to be made. Obviously, Caden and his dad are well aware of what the process can look like, and they've taken steps to make sure if and when that happens, they're going to be in the best position possible, whether it be academically, athletically at Notre Dame, or playing for a professional baseball team.' Indeed, Crowell can rely on his father, Jim, as a particularly valuable resource. A 1992 Valparaiso graduate, Jim Crowell played at the University of Indianapolis and then spent 13 seasons in professional baseball, including parts of three in the major leagues. 'We've always had a unique bond,' Caden Crowell said. 'Being able to really appreciate him and understand he's made it to the highest level and he's done it with the best, you have to admit dad's right. The high school me wants to be like, 'No, I know what I'm talking about. You don't.' But you trust he knows what he's talking about. 'He's always been someone I've looked up to. He was an undrafted free agent and made his way to the big leagues. That's from hard work and being able to be the best you. He's someone I look up to in all facets of life, just the way he works and how much he cares about me and helped me be the best I can be.' Jim Crowell has been a coach for Caden and some of his teammates for as long as he can remember, including as part of the Vikings' staff, adding to the significance of their state title. 'He's the reason I am where I am today,' Caden Crowell said. 'He's given everything to me. He's helped me become the best me. 'When we were growing up, we had this team with my dad, Triple Crown Lightning, so we've been playing together since we were like 8. This has always been a goal of ours, and without my teammates, without their support and the coaches' support, we would have never gotten to this point. The reason we got to where we are is just because our team went out there and played for each other. There was no one for themselves. It was awesome.'
Washington Post
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Washington Post
2025 Spring All-Met: Softball first team, second team, honorable mention
The following student-athletes were selected to The Washington Post's 2025 All-Met team for softball: Claire Radford, P, Sr., Leonardtown For Leonardtown to defend its Maryland Class 4A title, the Raiders needed a stellar season from their ace. Radford delivered, collecting 252 strikeouts and posting a 0.59 ERA in her final season to lead her team to a second consecutive state championship. The South Carolina Aiken commit shined when it mattered most, fanning 16 batters to clinch a 5-0 win over Churchill in the state final. In a season in which three teams from the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference won championships, Radford led her team to its first SMAC title with an 11-strikeout performance against eventual Class 3A champion Chopticon and was later named conference player of the year.
Chicago Tribune
a day ago
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
A true ‘game-changer' for Crown Point, Paige Liezert is the 2025 Post-Tribune Softball Player of the Year
Crown Point junior pitcher Paige Liezert still finds it all to be a bit 'surreal.' That the Bulldogs won the Class 4A state championship. That she spearheaded the run to that first title since 2017. The way it all transpired. But Crown Point coach Angie Richwalski sees things clearly. 'She's definitely a game-changer,' Richwalski said. 'She's the spark that held it all together and kept it all the way through.' Liezert, the 2025 Post-Tribune Softball Player of the Year, went 20-2 with two saves, a 0.85 ERA, and 293 strikeouts to 26 walks in 139 2/3 innings for the Bulldogs (31-4). She allowed just 44 hits, throwing six no-hitters and two perfect games. Liezert capped her breakout season with a masterpiece as Crown Point topped Center Grove 2-0 in nine innings in the state championship game. She scattered four hits with 16 strikeouts and two walks. 'It was definitely surreal, still a little bit of a shock,' Liezert said. 'A lot of hard work went into it, a lot of determination and trust in my coaches, knowing when they should pitch me and the pitch counts they put me in. It was a lot of trust and hard work, a lot of bullpens — just having the trust in yourself. 'It was just surreal moments with the strikeouts that I got and just how far we were able to go in the postseason and then winning it all. It was just insane.' Everything came together this season for Liezert to reach that pinnacle. 'Paige is one of those who's always had the tools in her tool belt since we got her as a freshman,' Richwalski said. 'It started last year, but this year she really learned how to use all of her tools and maximize the efficiency and really hone in and mature and start making great decisions and buy into the process. 'All of those typical sports cliches, she got there at the same time this year. It made her kind of this unstoppable force. She really came into her own this year all at once.' Last year, the Bulldogs split their innings almost evenly among three pitchers. Liezert went 5-3 with a 1.89 ERA and 129 strikeouts in 59 1/3 innings, a team high by 2/3 of an inning. Her freshman season had been curtailed by a fracture in her right wrist. 'No doubt she could've carried those innings last year, too, but with the injury as a freshman, we really wanted to take care of her and make sure that everything was 100% healed and build the stamina the nice, long, slow way and go through the process,' Richwalski said. 'But once she started seeing the innings, the numbers would very likely look the way they did.' Richwalski said Liezert made significant strides even during the course of this season. 'She threw that early Lake Central game, and she gave up a couple of hits,' Richwalski said. 'She threw that early Daviess County game, and she gave up a couple of hits. It was just really a lot of her and I getting on the same page and what works for her and getting our catcher Evi (Cuevas) in on what works — how do we make everything work and how do we make everything perfect? 'As the season went on, we were learning every game. There were a couple of games in the middle of the season where I had Paige call for Lexi (Smith) to just sit and talk through pitch-calling strategy and why we want to call this instead of that, why we want to put this pitch way off the plate and then come back in with it, why we want to use a change-up here, why we want to use a rise ball there. All of that.' The plan had a purpose. 'We really sat and really tried to make sure she understood it from a strategic standpoint and not just, 'I get out there and I throw the ball. That's my job. That's what I do,'' Richwalski said. 'No, no. Let's get into the finesse, let's get into the finer details. As a coach, I'm a big believer in when they understand the why, they're going to buy in even more.' Liezert spoke about the 'nerves' and 'stress' she experienced at various points in the season, especially during the win-or-go-home postseason. She and the Bulldogs got past powerhouses that included Duneland Athletic Conference nemesis Lake Central, Penn and Center Grove, escaping two bases-loaded jams in the final. She ultimately was prepared for the spotlight. 'Me and coach Angie focused more on my pitch calling and more communication,' Liezert said. 'We worked on not having to throw as many strikes as I did previously, and we definitely tried to work the count better and keep the batters on edge of what was coming next. 'I definitely worked on my movement and having later break instead of just a big break. We kind of slimmed it down to where it breaks right before the plate, so the batter thinks it's going to be a strike, but it breaks away, so they don't really know what's coming. I definitely worked on my change-up through the whole season, and it really showed up in state to kind of keep them off balance even more, to kind of have that off-speed.' Liezert, who changed her commitment to Miami of Ohio late last week after a new coach was hired at Illinois-Chicago, has been full speed ahead. The Bulldogs lose four seniors, including three starters, but should return most of their core. 'I just had to look down and keep working hard this year,' Liezert said. 'I didn't really expect to do as good as I did this year. But I just knew I had to keep working no matter what. Even though I was successful this year, I'm definitely still putting in the work and hoping to be even better next year. 'Hopefully we get to the same spot we got this year. We have to come in with the same mindset we did this year. Most of the girls will be the same on the team, so the team chemistry should be the same.' Liezert reflected on this group and what it was able to accomplish. 'The whole team knew this team was special and we could go far if we put our minds to it,' she said. 'We had the team chemistry to do it. The team was just so close. Everybody was friends with each other. There was no drama through the year. It was just a very good group of girls, and we just had to put the work in and grind, and we did. We worked hard and took every practice as an important practice and strived to get better and set goals for every practice to get better. 'This wouldn't be possible without the team I had behind me. They're definitely a big reason, the only reason, we made it this far. With the defense and the bats behind us, the team was just incredible.'
Indianapolis Star
2 days ago
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Sunsets, sports and suds: See the summer around Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS Ethan Plumier, assistant property manager at Goose Pond, demonstrates how to use a frog gig Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Indiana Department of Natural Resources' annual frog gigging night. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar A bullfrog sits in the water Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Goose Pond in Linton, Indiana. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar The restored Bell Ford Covered Bridge on Geist Greenway in Fishers. Supplied By Hamilton County Parks And Recreation Hole 17, an intimidating Par 3 at Purgatory Golf Club in Noblesville, is nicknamed "Hell's Half Acre." Purgatory Golf Club Charlie Noble and his daughter, Kayla, 17, of Noblesville, listen to instructions Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Indiana Department of Natural Resources' annual frog gigging night. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) walks off the court Sunday, June 22, 2025, after Game 7 of the NBA Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Christine Tannous/IndyStar A fan reacts to the loss Sunday, June 22, 2025, after a watch party at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Grace Smith/IndyStar Fans cheer at the end of the second quarter Sunday, June 22, 2025, during a watch party at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Grace Smith/IndyStar Fans wait to enter the arena Sunday, June 22, 2025, before a watch party at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Grace Smith/IndyStar LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 22: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever steals the ball from Kiah Stokes #41 of the Las Vegas Aces in the first quarter of their game at T-Mobile Arena on June 22, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ethan Miller, Getty Images Lucas Peltier, Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images Valparaiso and Evansville North face off Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso Nathan Simpson (6) celebrates Saturday, June 21, 2025, after the team won the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso Caden Crowell (7) hoists the trophy Saturday, June 21, 2025, after winning the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso and Evansville North face off Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso Caden Crowell (7) hugs Valparaiso infielder Drayden Wilcox (9) on Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso Trent Gill (2) dives into home plate Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar The Boone Grove Wolves celebrate Saturday, June 21, 2025, after winning the IHSAA class 2A baseball state final in Indianapolis. HG Biggs/IndyStar The Boone Grove Wolves celebrate Saturday, June 21, 2025, after winning the IHSAA class 2A baseball state final in Indianapolis. HG Biggs/IndyStar The Andrean 59ers celebrate winning the class 3A IHSAA baseball state final Friday, June 20, 2025, in Indianapolis. HG Biggs/IndyStar The Indianapolis Lutheran Saints celebrate their victory Friday, June 20, 2025, after the class 1A IHSAA baseball state final in Indianapolis. HG Biggs/IndyStar Indiana Pacers super fan Michael Hopson poses Thursday, June 19, 2025, ahead of Game 6 of the NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Heritage Christian's Tate LaBrune walks to the next hole Wednesday, June 18, 2025, during the IHSAA boys golf state final at Prairie View Golf Course in Carmel. Grace Hollars/IndyStar A tree branch narrowly missed IndyStar Multimedia Journalist Michelle Pemberton while retrieving cameras from her car on Wed. June 18, 2025, in Indianapolis. 'The siren sounded, no rain or wind yet, so I grabbed my cameras from my car and a large gust of hit, so i started running. I heard a large crack I knew was our large tree, so I kept running.' Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Indianapolis International Airport Fire Department aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles douse the aircraft fire fighting simulator Wednesday, June 18, 2025, during a multi-agency emergency training exercise to evaluate airport emergency operations plans at the Indianapolis International Airport. HG Biggs/IndyStar Emilie Sweet is an interpretive naturalist at Fort Harrison State Park. Photo taken Friday, June 13, 2025. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Connecticut Sun guard Jacy Sheldon (4) and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) express frustration with each other Tuesday, June 17, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Fans sit during a timeout Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at a game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) hangs his hands on the net Monday, June 16, 2025, ahead of Game 5 of the NBA Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the New York Liberty, 102-88. Grace Smith/IndyStar Protesters chant and march on Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a 'No Kings' protest at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Zach Adamson waves a pride flag with fellow protesters on Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a 'No Kings' protest at the Indiana Statehouse in chant and march on Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a 'No Kings' protest at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar A rider on the Pickled Peddler waves to protesters on Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a 'No Kings' protest at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Protesters chant and march on Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a 'No Kings' protest at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Protesters gather Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a 'No Kings' protest at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Parade participants wave from a float Saturday, June 14, 2025, during the Indy Pride Parade in Indianapolis. HG Biggs/IndyStar A parade participant shows off their skills with a flowstar as spectators cheer Saturday, June 14, 2025, during the Indy Pride Parade in Indianapolis. According to Indianapolis Fire Marshall, Deputy Chief Michael Beard, Indy Pride estimated around 30,000 attended the parade. HG Biggs/IndyStar Parade participants block protester's religious signs Saturday, June 14, 2025, during the Indy Pride Parade in Indianapolis. HG Biggs/IndyStar Protesters chant and march on Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a 'No Kings' protest at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar A family watches planes come and go at the Indianapolis International Airport on Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar An adult takes a child on a pretend airplane ride at the Indianapolis International Airport on Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar A fan celebrates Wednesday, June 11, 2025, during Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Former Indiana Pacers player Reggie Miller, with son Ryker, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, during Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Fans during a timeout Wednesday, June 11, 2025, during Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Indiana Pacers fan Micheal Hopson watches warms up ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar A graphic is displayed on the JW Marriott on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) throws the ball Tuesday, June 10, 2025, during NFL Colts mandatory mini camp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Indianapolis Colts players gather together Tuesday, June 10, 2025, during NFL Colts mandatory mini camp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar IndyStar Environmental Reporters, Sophie Hartley and Karl Schneider, visit Belmont Beach and it's deadly low head dam on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Lauren Roberts is removed from the City Council building by sheriff's deputies Monday, June 9, 2025, during a City-County Council meeting in Indianapolis. Roberts flew to Indianapolis to address the council members regarding the Hogsett administration's handling of the alleged abuse against her by top Hogsett aide Thomas Cook. Council President Vop Osili ordered a sheriff's deputy to escort Roberts out of the council chambers when she refused to stop talking. HG Biggs/IndyStar Brianna Dines holds a sign calling for Mayor Joe Hogsett's resignation Monday, June 9, 2025, during a City-County Council meeting in Indianapolis. HG Biggs/IndyStar South Bend Washington's Adriana Swanson (left) and Pike's Jai Brown race in the 100 meter hurdles Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the IHSAA annual girls state track and field finals in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Carmel's Emily Norris grabs the baton from Carmel's Rebecca Belanger in the 4x100 meter relay Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the IHSAA annual girls state track and field finals in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Indiana All_Star Julius Kirby shoots the ball Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the Indiana vs. Kentucky All-Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Indiana All-Star Tre Singleton (10) rushes up the court Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the Indiana vs. Kentucky All-Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Indiana All-Star and Mr. Basketball Braylon Mullins (1) goes for the ball Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the Indiana vs. Kentucky All-Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Indiana All-Star and Miss Basketball Maya Makalusky (1) smiles for a photo with Indiana All-Star and Mr. Basketball Braylon Mullins on Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the Indiana vs. Kentucky All-Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Northview's Karsyn Buck competes in the high jump Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the IHSAA annual girls state track and field finals in Indianapolis. Buck placed second in the event. HG Biggs/IndyStar Mishawaka's Tinayja Summers competes in the long jump Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the IHSAA annual girls state track and field finals in Indianapolis. HG Biggs/IndyStar Carmel's Emily Norris competes in the long jump Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the IHSAA annual girls state track and field finals in Indianapolis. HG Biggs/IndyStar Indiana All-Star Jaylah Lampley (2) rushes up the court Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the Indiana vs. Kentucky All-Star gameat Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Kentucky All-Star and Miss Basketball ZaKiyah Johnson (1) shoots the ball for a three point basket Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the Indiana vs. Kentucky All-Star gameat Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Indiana All-Star Brooke Winchester (11) reaches for a loose ball Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the Indiana vs. Kentucky All-Star gameat Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Jasper High School players celebrate the win of their number one doubles team during an IHSAA Girls' Tennis State Championship Tournament against Brebeuf Jesuit High School, Saturday, June 7, 2025, at North Central High School. Doug McSchooler/for IndyStar Brebeuf Jesuit High School junior Chloe Wendowski during an IHSAA Girls' Tennis State Championship Tournament match against Jasper High School, Saturday, June 7, 2025, at North Central High School. Doug McSchooler/for IndyStar Indiana All-Star and Miss Basketball Maya Makalusky shoots the ball against Kentucky All-Star Kenleigh Woods on Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the Indiana vs. Kentucky All-Star gameat Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Athletes run in the 3200 meter relay Friday, June 6, 2025, during the IHSAA annual boys state track and field finals in Indianapolis. HG Biggs/IndyStar LaPorte's and Landyn Hunt embrace Friday, June 6, 2025, after competing in the 3200 meter relay during the IHSAA annual boys state track and field finals in Indianapolis. HG Biggs/IndyStar Goshen's Daniel Kinsey competes in the long jump Friday, June 6, 2025, during the IHSAA annual boys state track and field finals in Indianapolis. HG Biggs/IndyStar The Overgrown Pasture serves attendees Friday, June 6, 2025, during History on Tap, a beer festival featuring local beverages and restaurants, at Conner Prairie in Fishers. Grace Smith/IndyStar Sarah Withrow bakes laugenbrezel, German soft pretzels, on Friday, June 6, 2025, during History on Tap, a beer festival featuring local beverages and restaurants, at Conner Prairie in Fishers. Grace Smith/IndyStar
Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
‘Stressful' Air Force admission process doesn't stop Joshua Holst, the 2025 News-Sun Baseball Player of the Year
Joshua Holst's victory lap was short-lived, but for good reason. Yes, he cherishes the Class 4A state championship that he and his Libertyville teammates won on June 14, and he enjoyed the celebratory pep rally on Saturday as much as anyone. But Holst has already embarked on the next chapter of his life. He flew to Colorado Springs, Colorado, this week, not for baseball workouts with his new team, but for the rigorous weekslong basic cadet training at the U.S. Air Force Academy. 'It's combining two things that I love,' he said. 'I love my country, and I love baseball, so I might as well combine both. 'A lot of what I'll encounter won't be easy, but I know I have the determination to get through it. A lot of people wish they had this opportunity, and I plan to take full advantage of it.' Holst, the 2025 News-Sun Baseball Player of the Year, certainly knows how to seize the moment. To complete a season in which he didn't lose a start, the senior left-hander allowed one run on two hits and drove in three runs as the Wildcats defeated McHenry 4-1 in the Class 4A state championship game. For the season, Holst went 13-0, setting a program record for wins, with a 1.34 ERA, a 0.79 WHIP, 118 strikeouts and 25 walks in 73 1/3 innings. He also hit .361 with 14 doubles, a team-high five home runs and 43 RBIs. 'He's not going to back down from anybody, and he gives everything he has every time he plays,' Libertyville coach Matt Thompson said. 'Obviously, his stuff is good. You can have good stuff, and you can live in the bullpen or in a pitching lesson in the winter. But he's going to be the guy you want on the mound when the chips are on the table and the pressure is on.' Air Force coach Mike Kazlausky, a Grant graduate who enjoys recruiting local student-athletes, also sees traits in Holst that the academy values. 'I'm excited for the fact that he's accepted a challenge to be different,' Kazlausky said. 'Americans want the best of the best to be trained here.' At Grant, Kazlausky played for his father, Fritz, who is a member of both the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Mike Kazlausky has been the coach at Air Force, his alma mater, since 2011 and emphasized that winning isn't the only priority there. 'I'm proud for him that he had such a great year, but we have higher expectations than just baseball,' Kazlausky said. 'Yes, we want to win. But he'll also learn about service and character and be pushed to fail, which will lead to him being the best possible version of himself with a remarkable outcome. He's on America's team now.' That opportunity might not have arisen had Holst not posted on his Perfect Game profile that he's interested in aviation. A couple of weeks after the initial contact period opened Aug. 1, 2023, he received a call from Kazlausky. 'My grandfather was an Air Force pilot, and I also have an aunt who was in the Air Force, but I hadn't really ever considered the military,' Holst said. 'I knew that I didn't want a normal job when I grew up and wanted to become a pilot. A month later, I had committed.' But Holst's admission process wasn't so straightforward. A test detected he had hearing loss in one ear, which didn't meet the academy's physical standards. Holst had a minor surgical procedure to address the impairment, and tubes were placed in his ears, a step the academy didn't approve. The tubes were subsequently removed, but by that time a waiver to allow Holst's admission had been denied, essentially disqualifying him from enrolling. So he decommitted earlier this year. 'We filed an appeal, but coach said he didn't have any idea how long the appeal process would take,' Holst said. 'So he said it would be in my best interest to open up my recruitment. I heard from some bigger schools that liked where I was at talent-wise, which was good to hear. But right after spring break, it got approved. It was definitely a stressful time.' Not that anyone would have noticed based on Holst's on-field performance. A mainstay in Libertyville's rotation for three years, he was virtually unhittable this season, and his accolades included 4A all-state first-team recognition. Quinn Schambow, an Oklahoma State recruit who caught Holst for years, had the utmost confidence in him. 'I know when someone has it on the mound and when someone doesn't, and he does,' Schambow said. 'Every time he steps on that mound, it's lights out.' Holst knows a new challenge awaits. 'Before every inning, I tell myself I'm the best and that no one is going to hit me,' he said. 'I'm going to attack every hitter. When you pitch with confidence, it makes you that much more effective. 'Starting school, there's definitely some nervousness, but I'll attack it to the best of my ability.'
