In the small town of Dewar, where the heartbeat of the community resonates through every pitch and swing, senior Zack Mullen stands as a beacon of baseball athleticism—a player whose journey is fueled by dedication, inspiration and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

For Zack, the diamond isn’t just a field; it’s an arena where dreams are forged. “My goal is to be the best teammate, the best player I can be and achieve the goals that I have set for myself.”

Zack acknowledges the pivotal role of influencers—parents, coaches, and one standout figure, Clyde Hollenbeck. “He took baseball to the next level for me,” Zack said, underscoring the transformative impact of a coach who elevated his game.

High school teacher Ashley Corn also emerges as a source of empowerment. “She taught me to believe in myself,” Zack said. Beyond the diamond, Ashley’s influence remains a guiding force in his life.

Zack unravels the essence of triumph—hard work, dedication and an unyielding spirit. “You have to never allow yourself to give up, and most importantly, you just have to always show up.”

The highlight of Zack’s career is etched in the narrative of a state tournament game—a moment that transcends the ordinary. “Coming in to pitch at state, throwing a no-hitter and coming from behind and winning,” he recounted, painting a picture of resilience, skill and the sweet taste of victory.

In the realm of competition, Zack’s joy lies in the face of triumph, especially against Wright City. “I enjoy winning every single game I play, but I do really like it when we beat Wright City,” he said.

Within the team, Luke Hankins emerges as a comrade in arms. “He has the same goals as I do, and we push each other every day to be the best.”

Amidst the roster, an unsung hero also emerges—Jacob Paden. “He works hard and is always willing to step in where and when he is needed. Jacob is a great teammate,” Zack commended, casting a spotlight on the contributions that often go unnoticed.

Dewar’s love for sports echoes through every cheer, and when Zack steps onto the field, he carries not just a bat and glovebut the pride of representing his school and community. “Having the entire community supporting you is amazing!”