By Derrick Smith

One thing that most people have in common is that they want to be successful. Whether it is concerning their job, sports, family life, or however they measure success, it is something that most people work towards. Hayden Chandler says that, as an athlete, work is a really important part of him being his best.

“In order to be successful in my sport it has taken hard work, lots of hard practices and taking advice from coaches and other players.”

Chandler is a junior at Grove High School. He plays pitcher, third base, and first base as a member of the Ridgerunners baseball team. Baseball has been a part of Hayden’s life for about as long as he can remember. He first began playing in t-ball and it has been in his life ever since. 

As he scanned back over his career, Chandler had many memorable moments with his teammates on and off the field. But he says that there is one thing that stands out the most. 

“The highlight moment of my career is hitting my first home run,” he said. “Anytime you hit a home run it is a really fun feeling and stepping across home plate into a crowd of your teammates never gets old. Plus, it helps on the scoreboard too.”

Hayden has had a lot of support over the years, but he says that there have been two people that have made the biggest impact on him.

“There are two people that have really influenced my life,” he said. “JR Morris taught me the right way to play baseball and how to be successful. My mom taught me how to have a good work ethic and raised me to be respectful.”

In the classroom, Hayden says that he is thankful for another special person.

“My favorite teacher would be Mrs. Crowder,” he stated. “She provides a safe place for me and all the other students.”

A quote by basketball coach Bobby Knight is one that Hayden says is his favorite because it is so true.

“Most people have the will to win. Few have the will to prepare to win.”