For Van Schultz, baseball is more than a sport—it is a testament to hard work and personal growth. Standing at six feet four inches tall and weighing 195 pounds, the senior at Kremlin-Hillsdale High School has transformed himself through years of dedication to the game and to self-improvement.
“I started my freshman year weighing only 150 pounds,” Schultz said. “I realized I needed to get stronger to compete at a higher level. Weight training completely changed my game.”
Now a standout center fielder and shortstop, Schultz credits his progress to countless hours spent in the gym and the batting cages.
His dedication paid off last season when he was named Conference Player of the Year.
“Getting that recognition was really cool,” Schultz said. “I think what pushed me over the edge was being consistent as both a hitter and a pitcher. My stats spoke for themselves.”
Schultz’s connection to the game is also rooted in the bond he has with his teammates. Many of them have played together since they were children.
“It is special playing with the same group of guys for so long,” Schultz said. “We do not have to say much during games—everyone just knows what to do.”
One of Schultz’s favorite memories came during his freshman year, when he hit two home runs in a playoff game.
“It was surreal,” he said. “There was a friendly competition between me and a senior teammate, and hitting that second home run felt amazing.”
After high school, Schultz will continue his baseball career at Northern Oklahoma College in Enid, where he will also pursue an associate’s degree.
“This season is bittersweet because it is the last one with my high school teammates,” Schultz said. “But I am excited for the next chapter and to keep improving as a player.”
