By Derrick Smith

Many things are required for an athlete to compete at the highest level that they can. Along with the work and practice time that is put in, Kaden Metcalf says that there is something else you have to bring to the table if you want to succeed.

“A good attitude will help you go a long way,” he said. “Always having a good mindset day in and day out is key. Also, being willing to do whatever it takes to become a better athlete.”

Metcalf is a sophomore at Broken Bow High School, where he plays shortstop and pitcher for the baseball team. For Kaden, baseball is more than just a sport to play, it is a family tradition.

“I come from a family that has always been around baseball,” he said. “We have all played our whole lives. When my uncle, Jody Metcalf, passed away in 2015, I decided to wear number twenty-three as he did in high school. My dad also wore that number when he played baseball in high school. So those are the two reasons I wear that number.”

Coming from a family that loves the game of baseball, it would make sense that one of Kaden’s biggest role models would be from that group.

“My dad is the most influential person in my life,” he said. “He has impacted my baseball career by pushing me to be the best athlete I can be. He is a great example for me and I hope to be just like him.”

Kaden says that there is another person that made a big impact on his life, but this was in the classroom and not on the baseball diamond.

“The best teacher that I have ever had was Tony Battles,” Metcalf said. “He taught us about life and he always made sure we learned a valuable lesson each and every day.”

Outside of athletics, Kaden is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.