“A lot of schools talk about the campus wide support, but here at NSU, you can’t explain it in words, you have to experience it. It’s fantastic.”
These words are more than a chant coming from behind the plate spoken by RiverHawks catcher, Brayden Rodden. It’s the everyday actions of students, faculty and the Tahlequah community that makes Northeastern State University the right choice.
After graduating from Oktaha High School in 2018 followed by a two-year stint at Seminole State, Rodden came into the dugout of the RiverHawks looking for and finding the answers to his needs.
“Finding somewhere that was a financial fit was definitely number-1 for me,” said Rodden. “NSU definitely matched all my needs because I also wanted to be part of a team that was determined to win.”
Rodden, who comes from a baseball family including his dad who is a coach and brother who also plays collegiately, wanted to be part of a squad with an all-for-one team spirit.
“At the juco level, players are together 24-7. Here at NSU, guys live on campus, off campus, all around town, yet we still hang out together because of what I was looking for- team comradery.”
“B-rod” as he’s known to teammates, says the spirit of the RiverHawks can be seen all across campus and throughout the community.
“It’s something that everyone, not just athletes, can expect as a student at NSU,” said Rodden. “The professors support every student. As a baseball player, the spring schedule causes you to miss a lot of classes. The instructors are always willing to make it possible for you to take tests ahead of schedule or let you complete assignments online.”
Rodden admits he draws added energy from the show of support of the student body and organizations.
“It’s a 2-way street. Our baseball team enjoys crowd surfing at home games in support of our men’s basketball program. Then at baseball games, we know they’re always there, loud and proud RiverHawks.”
Also adding to the happiness for Rodden and his wife is the campus wide “at home” atmosphere.
“When me and Aubrey take a walk across campus or around Tahlequah, it’s so peaceful and almost always someone waves or yells hello. At NSU, its just one big family environment where everyone is genuine and everyone cares about your success,” Rodden said. “If you’re looking for a place where you can achieve your dreams, Northeastern State University is that place.”
