By Derrick Smith

High school student-athletes have a variety of things that they have to balance. Not only do they have to practice and prepare themselves for their athletics, but they also have to work hard in the classroom in order to stay eligible to participate in their sports. 

Caden Keller, who is a senior at Medford High School, has devoted a lot of time in order to be the best athlete and student that he can be.

“It has taken a lot of hard work,” he said. “But you also just have to enjoy yourself and not get stressed out.”

A pitcher and shortstop for the Cardinals baseball team, Caden first started playing baseball when he was younger playing t-ball. He fell in love with the sport almost immediately and it has been a part of his life ever since. Along with baseball, he also plays football and basketball for Medford.

Throughout his life, Keller says that there have been many people that have influenced his life and helped shape him into who he is. While there have been a lot, he says that there is one person that has been in his corner since the beginning and has shown him how to be a strong person. 

“My mom is the biggest role model of my life,” he said. “She is the strongest and most selfless person I know. I am who I am today because of her and I am very thankful for her. Another person who has had an influence on my life is Ms. Jana Boyer, my English teacher. She pushes me to do my best and has taught me more about life than just school, but also life lessons that I can carry with me after I graduate.”

During his sports career, Caden has enjoyed a lot of great moments with his teammates, both on and off the field of play. But out of all of them, he says that there is one thing that he has enjoyed the most.

“Winning games with my team is my favorite part,” he said. “Knowing that we are getting the job done is a great feeling.”

Along with playing sports, Keller is also a member of the Future Farmers of America and the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America organization.