For many athletes, the love for the game starts early. For Dillon Martin on the CMS Stags baseball team, it all began with a simple game of catch with his dad.

"My dad played growing up, and he got me started young," he shared. "I fell in love with it right away."

From those early days, baseball quickly became more than just a sport - it became a passion and a defining part of his life. His father, who remains his biggest influence, has been there every step of the way. "He coached me, supported me, and passed on his love for the game. I've carried that with me ever since."

Even as a young child, the competitive fire was already burning. "I think I've always taken it seriously. Even in tee ball, I'd get upset when my teammates didn't care about winning as much as I did."

That drive has shaped him into the athlete he is today, one who understands that success is built on resilience. "One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that failure is unavoidable. No matter how much you prepare or how hard you try, you won't succeed every time. Especially in baseball, learning how to deal with failure is crucial."

Among many memorable moments on the field, one stands out above the rest - defeating Wisconsin-La Crosse twice in May to win the program's first-ever NCAA Division III regional title. "Our regional championship celebration was unforgettable. We had set a team goal to dogpile, and when it finally happened, seeing all of us on that mound was a moment of pure fulfillment."

While game days come with adrenaline and intensity, they also bring cherished traditions and camaraderie. "I love the team huddles, the locker room energy, the bus rides, dugout calls, and double celebrations. These are the moments that give our team life."

Off the field, he's passionate about his studies as a CMC student, particularly his favorite class, Corporate Finance with Professor Binay. Though balancing academics and athletics is demanding, he's learned to manage it. "It gets busy and stressful, but I make time for both."

His favorite place to study is the library, and when it's time to relax, you'll likely find him with an acoustic guitar or hanging out with his teammates and friends. "After a tough game or long day, I get some food, take a nap, then go spend more time with the team."

One cherished team tradition is their annual Secret Santa before winter break - a light-hearted, bonding moment that reflects the close-knit nature of the Stags.

When asked what being a part of the CMS Stags baseball team means to him, he doesn't hesitate. "It gives me a strong sense of identity. It's the part of my life I'm most passionate about. My teammates are my best friends, and I wake up every day excited to spend another day on the field."

Whether it's grabbing a team meal at Dr. Grubbs or simply hanging out in the backyard listening to music with family and friends, he finds joy in the little things. And if he ever got the chance to switch sports, he'd pick football "because I enjoy watching it."

Looking ahead, his dreams remain big and bold: "I want to be a pro baseball player."

To any incoming student-athlete considering CMC and CMS, his advice is simple but profound: "Enjoy every second and learn from every experience."

Because at the end of the day, for Martin, it's always been about more than just baseball - it's about passion, perseverance, and the people who make the game worth playing.