For Hamilton Southeastern Royals baseball player Michael Hoog, committing to DePauw University was more than just a milestone—it was the realization of years of hard work and dedication. The moment he made his decision; excitement took over as he looked forward to continuing both his academic and athletic journey.
“DePauw has a great reputation for sports and academics,” Hoog said. “I look forward to being challenged in the classroom and field.”
His decision to choose DePauw was influenced by multiple factors, including the campus, good sports facilities, and a good feeling of fellowship with future coaches and teammates. However, what really made DePauw stand out to Hoog was the university’s dedication to keeping honesty, fairness, and strong ethical values in its athletic program.
“I believe that competing for DePauw aligns with their values of sportsmanship, academic balance, and personal growth,” he explained.
While his college plans are already prepared, Hoog also channels his focus into making the most of his senior season. His commitment has strengthened his discipline, pushing him to work and train harder, refining his skills for this upcoming baseball season.
“I’m excited to make the most of this season,” Hoog said. “My offseason work with PRP Baseball has helped improve my mobility and how I approach both pitching and hitting. It has really prepared me for the next level.”
Balancing his expectations with college and his present expectations has not always been easy, but Hoog keeps his ground.
“I’m making sure to stay focused on the present and work hard to achieve my goals while also preparing for college,” he said.
One of those goals? He is bringing home a state championship before he graduates.
As he prepares to take the next step in his baseball journey, Hoog has vivid expectations for his time at Depauw. He works toward growing as an athlete, excelling academically, and making a forever-lasting impact on his team.
“From this season, I will take the discipline, hard work, and leadership skills I’ve developed to help me succeed at the next level,” he said.
With his unwavering determination and commitment to excellence, Michael Hoog is set to leave a legacy at HSE while embarking on a promising future at DePauw University.