Senior first baseman and pitcher Walker West has grown up in the Grove High School baseball program, but the Ridgerunners’ standout says the game has shaped far more than his swing.
West, who also plays third base for Grove’s varsity team, said the lessons he has learned between the lines reach into every part of his life. “My sport has taught me that you are always going to fail and it’s how you deal with failure that shows who you are as a person,” West said. That perspective helped him turn setbacks into motivation during his high school career.
The senior is coming off a milestone spring in which he was named the district Offensive Player of the Year for the 2025 season, an honor he calls a highlight of his time in a Grove jersey. “I am most proud of being the district Offensive Player of the Year for the 2025 spring season,” West said.
West credits his parents for laying the foundation that allowed him to succeed on the field and in the classroom. “My parents inspire me because they show me what it’s like to be a great person and teach me valuable lessons,” he said. Healso points to the influence of teammate and mentor Jayce Baser, who helped him learn how to respond when things do not go as planned. “Jayce Baser has left the biggest impact on me because he has shown me how to overcome failure and injuries,” West said.
In the classroom, West’s favorite teacher is English instructor Mrs. Pollan. “My favorite teacher is Mrs. Pollan because she is super cool and makes everyone a better person every day,” he said.
West said he takes pride in representing Grove every time he takes the field. “My favorite part about representing my school is being able to wear a Grove jersey and be proud that I play for Grove,” he said.
He carries a simple piece of advice with him into every game and practice. “The best advice anyone has ever given me is to get up and keep trying because nothing good comes out of giving up,” West said.
West also made sure to recognize his head coach. “I would like to give a shoutout to my head coach Sibo for being a great coach and showing up no matter what,” he said.
