Swinging for the fences and catching aweing eyes across the field is none other than varsity baseball’s own Aiden Leslie. Whether it is on the diamond or out on a hike with friends, Leslie brings energy, dedication, and heart to everything he does. Starting his journey in baseball at merely five years old, he was inspired by his brother and grandparents to pick up the bat. Since then, the sport has grown from a fun little hobby into a passionate part of Leslie’s life. Now, as a senior and a varsity starter, he is constantly pushing his own boundaries to build his skills and accomplishments. One of his proudest moments was winning the Big Bucks Tournament in Libby, Montana during the summer of 2023.
“I got to spend some great time with my teammates,” Leslie said. “It was one of the few teams I’ve been part of to win a tournament.”
Moments like those are what make the long practices and extra training hours worth it, to feel the accomplishment and satisfaction of hard work. Even when he is away from the field Leslie finds ways to stay active out in nature.
“I’m a pretty big outdoors and active person,” Leslie said.
From hiking trails to hanging out with friends, he makes the most with his time off the field. Not to mention his impressive school-life balance including reading, workouts, and the occasional unplugging from screens. These activities keep him at the ready and on his toes.
Balancing IB classes with over 20 hours a week of baseball is no small feat but he has figured out the winning formula: time management, commitment, and focus.
“Even when I don’t want to, I stay on top of schoolwork and limit distractions,” Leslie said.
Showing us that at the end of the day everyone is a little human and putting in the work is a difficult task. However, pushing oneself to do the hard things is what will make all the difference. Leslie offers advice to student athletes just starting out.
“Always walk onto the field with a positive mindset,” Leslie said. “You’ll create memories you’ll cherish long after the games are over.”
As the baseball season comes to a close, Leslie is just getting started. The Wolfpack is lucky to have him out on the field, with his unwavering dedication and commitment, giving it his all.
