By Blake Chadwick
As the Mulvane High School baseball team prepares for the upcoming season, senior Reed Hackleman is ready to take on a leadership role for the Wildcats. With years of experience alongside many of his teammates and a strong commitment to improving his game, Hackleman is focused on helping Mulvane compete for a state championship in his final season.
“I would say our team’s biggest strengths are our camaraderie and our baseball IQ,” Hackleman said. “We have all played together since we were younger, which is where that camaraderie began. Another strength is our coaching staff. Each one of them believes in every player, maintains a positive attitude, and encourages us daily.”
Hackleman, who has been playing for nearly 13 years, has always held himself to the highest standard. And now as a senior, that standard raises even more.
“When I’m playing, I go out there believing in myself and staying confident so I can succeed,” Hackleman said. “When I’m practicing, I have the mindset that I can always improve in every aspect of my game.”
As his senior season begins, Hackleman hopes to make the most of his final year representing his hometown while chasing the ultimate goal with his teammates.
“My personal goal is to enjoy my senior year while representing my hometown and bringing home a state title,” Hackleman said. “Our team goal is pretty similar. We want to enjoy being around each other and have fun, but winning state is definitely our number one goal.”
Hackleman has also grown into a leadership role for the Wildcats, focusing on setting the tone through effort and consistency.
“I would describe my leadership style as leading more by actions than words,” Hackleman said. “I try to demonstrate hustle and give 100 percent effort at all times. As younger players started to follow my example, my verbal leadership grew as well.”
