The game of baseball has always been about more than wins and losses for Concordia coach Skyler Hittle.
In his first season as interim head coach at Concordia High School, Hittle has centered his program around relationships, accountability and helping players grow beyond the diamond.
“My coaching philosophy is built around relationships, accountability, and helping young people become better men long after baseball is over,” Hittle said. “Baseball is important, but I believe the game is really a vehicle to teach discipline, toughness, teamwork and how to handle adversity.”
Hittle’s path to the dugout has included coaching in several different capacities. Before taking over the Panthers baseball program, he served as a head junior high wrestling coach, assistant high school wrestling coach, assistant high school track coach and assistant junior high football coach.
While baseball is the sport he currently leads, Hittle said the foundation of coaching remains the same no matter the activity.
“I want our players to know they are valued beyond what they do on the field,” he said. “I try to coach each player hard while also caring about them as a person.”
Hittle emphasized the importance of building trust with players while maintaining high expectations.
“Players grow the most when they are challenged, encouraged and held accountable in a positive environment,” he said. “Our goal is to create a culture where players compete for each other, take pride in doing things the right way, and understand that effort, attitude and character matter every day.”
Though victories and championships are memorable, Hittle said the moments that stay with him the longest are often the most personal ones.
“It might be a freshman getting their first varsity hit or throwing their first varsity inning after having to battle all year for that opportunity,” Hittle said.
He also recalled seeing players overcome struggles away from the field and finding confidence through the game.
“There are moments with players who may be battling things off the field and then they have a moment during a game where, for a little while, they feel like king of the world,” he said. “Watching teammates celebrate them and seeing that smile and confidence come out is incredibly meaningful as a coach.”
One of the most rewarding parts of coaching, according to Hittle, is watching players mature throughout their high school careers.
“Some players come into the program unsure of themselves, and over four years you watch them mature into young men who lead by example, mentor younger players and leave the program better than when they arrived,” he said.
