The East Knox Bulldogs baseball team is gearing up for the 2025 season with high expectations. Under the guidance of first-year Head Coach Gage Steinmetz, the team is concentrating on building chemistry and competing for a championship.
Steinmetz, an alumnus of East Knox, acknowledges the challenge of his new role. "This is my first year as head coach, and I’ve got big shoes to fill," he said. "I’m replacing the guy who was my own coach, which is special. We have four returning starters, and the guys are super hungry. The young players are working hard to compete, and it’s exciting to see the leadership from our upperclassmen."
According to junior utility player Jackson Lester, individual improvement is just as important as team success. "My goal is to get better every single day," he said.
Senior center fielder Shane Gardner aims to enhance his hitting and leadership skills. "I want to hit better and step up as a leader for the team," he said.
Senior third baseman Luke Holsinger is also focused on refining his offensive game. "I’ve been working on my swing and improving everything that was missing last year," he noted.
Beyond individual progress, the Bulldogs are targeting significant victories. "Our team motto is ‘owning our own results,’" Lester remarked. "How much effort we put in will determine our success."
Gardner and Holsinger have clear objectives: winning the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference (KMAC) title and making a deep postseason run. "We want to win KMAC again and take districts," Gardner expressed.
The Bulldogs have dedicated their offseason to fine-tuning their game by focusing on fundamentals and small details. Lester emphasized this approach: "I’ve been resetting the little things and making sure my fundamentals are solid."
Gardner highlighted open gym sessions as crucial for preparation: "Open gyms and practices have been huge for us," he said. Holsinger added that he has been fine-tuning his mechanics: "I’ve been working on my timing and making sure my swing is where it needs to be."
As with any season, challenges are expected, but the Bulldogs are prepared to face them head-on. Lester mentioned resilience: "There are going to be bad days, but we have to bounce back as a team." Gardner stressed unity: "No matter what happens, we have to work together as a team." Holsinger pointed out weather-related challenges: "We’ll probably have some bad weather, but we need to make the most of every opportunity."
Lester also emphasized that being a good teammate extends beyond baseball: "It’s about more than baseball—it’s about being there for each other." Gardner acknowledged the responsibility of upperclassmen: "Most of us are older guys, so we need to help the younger players develop."
Holsinger believes leadership plays a critical role: "Being a leader means showing the younger guys the right way to do things and forming a strong bond as a team."
When asked about opponents they look forward to facing, Lester responded enthusiastically: "I just want to win." Gardner echoed this sentiment: "Every game is important," adding that they look forward to all matches.
With committed players and coaching staff, Steinmetz remains optimistic about their prospects: "We’re taking it one day at a time," he said. "If we stay focused and put in the work, this team has the potential to accomplish something special."
