In the heart of Montoursville, Pennsylvania, was the stomping ground of Shippensburg University senior baseball player Jaxon Dalena. This is where his dream took flight: to be a college baseball player. Dalena has been playing baseball since he was a child, but did not know the true potential it could bring.
What truly sparked his baseball journey was Hall of Fame pitcher and Williamsport native, Mike Mussina. Williamsport and Montoursville are just 10 minutes apart. Dalena and Mussina spent years together perfecting his craft as a pitcher. Dalena said, “Coach Mussina always said, just because you are a small-town kid does not mean you will be overlooked.” If you have the talent, coaches will find you.
Currently, Dalena is the top pitcher for SU baseball and one of the best pitchers in the PSAC (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference), having reached 100 career strikeouts in just his second year of pitching. He also earned “All-Region Pitcher” honors in his first year of pitching.
“Lots of hard work in the weight room and consistent training room sessions,” Dalena said to credit his success. “I also watch tons of film of myself and the opposing team with my coaches to figure out the best strategy to be successful. I adapted the mindset that I am better than anybody else that I face”, Dalena said.
The experiences from being a college athlete is something that lasts with you forever. “Playing baseball here has been an amazing opportunity and I am grateful for Shippensburg bringing me in and treating me like family,” Dalena said.
The job is not finished. The Raiders are currently 25-19 on the season and have five games left until the PSAC Championships. The goals to end the last stretch of the season are simple.
“I want to make it to the College World Series. I also want to win the PSAC tournament. Personally, I want to be regarded the most dominant pitcher in the PSAC,” Dalena said.
As his college career is ending, Dalena said, “I want to enjoy every moment because I know I will not be able to rewind and get it back.” His plans after school is to be a professional baseball player.
If that does not work out, Dalena wants to be a fish and game officer or a hunting and fishing guide. Outside of baseball, Dalena’s interests consist of outdoor hobbies such as fishing or hunting. living along the Susquehanna River, Dalena is surrounded by this lifestyle.
“It has been a journey, and I am blessed by the time I have spent here,” he said.
From the small town of Montoursville to being a Division II baseball player in one of the best conferences in the country, he is proof that if you have the talent and work ethic, you will be found.
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