Athletes at all levels work hard in order to be their best and to get as prepared as they can for competition. They also depend on some type of support system to help them stay accountable and be the best athlete and person that they can be. This could be coaches, teammates, family, or someone else. Jonah Redden says that the biggest influences on his life have been the people he is closest to.

“My parents would have to be my role models,” he said. “They made me the person who I am today. They taught me how to succeed in life and live it to the fullest. Another person who has been a great influence for me is coach Strack. He has taught me how to be a better person in life and he has always helped in the classroom.”

Jonah is a senior at Miami High School. He is a dual-sport athlete for the Wardogs, playing both football and baseball. On the football field, you will find him playing wide receiver on the offensive side and defensive back on the defensive side. And on the baseball field he can play a few different positions including shortstop, pitcher, and catcher. He has played both sports during his entire high school career.

Becoming the athlete that Jonah is did not just happen overnight. He has put in a lot of work in order to become physically and mentally ready to play. 

“In order to be a successful athlete,” he said. “You have to be dedicated to your sport. You cannot take days off. You also have to make sacrifices. But it is all worth it in the end when the hard work starts to pay off.”

When Redden looks back on his high school career, he sees a lot of fun and great moments that he has shared with his teammates both on and off the field. And while he has always had fun playing sports, he does not think his biggest moment has happened yet.

“I have had some great experiences,” he said. “But I don’t think I have had my highlight moment yet. I still have a baseball season to play.”