We all have a bucket list – things to do, places to travel. High school athletes have their own wish list including earning college scholarships and winning a state championship.  And while the last two are among future desires for Jayden Gould, achieving his wish list of pitching a perfect game is something that most baseball players expect to see only while watching a major league baseball game from afar.

But for the hard throwing righthander, that special moment came true this spring for the Stigler junior and his Panther teammates.

“I maintained my focus by going one pitch at a time, making sure I was pinpoint with my delivery and stayed calm knowing that my defense backed me up all the way,” said Jayden recalling his efforts in a 6-0 perfect game delivery against Gore. “It was a really fun experience and I am glad to finally scratch that off my bucket list.”

After beginning his baseball career at age three, Gould acknowledges the sport has taught him valuable lessons, both on and off the field.

“Not everything is always going to go as expected, and this game is very humbling because even in your best moments things can suddenly take a turn for the worst,” said Jayden whose 6-5 frame and high velocity pitches strike fear in the face of opposing hitters. “You just keep playing your game, continue to compete and make plays.”

Jayden credits his success to the endless hours of hard work to improve his baseball skills shared with his dad.

“He’s my biggest inspiration. He is hard on me, but that’s what makes me the player I am today and fuels my drive for perfection.”

Asked to define himself in one word, Jayden didn’t hesitate to respond.

“Most of all, I am competitive. I hate to lose, it makes me absolutely sick,” he said before taking a breath. “But I make sure I learn from my mistakes.”

Taken together, competition, hard work and the will to succeed fuel the heartbeat for Jayden Gould every time he puts on jersey number-27 with Stigler across his chest.

“I feel like baseball is the only time I feel free. I feel like it’s so graceful being up on the mound or up to bat and knowing you are doing the thing you love most.”