As the college baseball season gets into full swing, three standout athletes, Chayton Krauss, Maclain Roberts and Jax Ryan, have shared some insights into their offseason preparation, team aspirations, and personal goals for the year ahead. All three players are poised to make a significant impact on their respective teams and are eager to embrace the challenges that lie ahead.

For Chayton, the offseason was a time for refinement and adaptation. "It was a super important time to adjust anything I felt needed work, so I spent a lot of time tweaking my swing and focusing on getting stronger and faster," he explained. His preparation also included learning a new position, which was second base, making his transition into the season even more crucial. Krauss put himself in as many live game situations as possible before the season began in order to make this transition more smooth and took many live at bats to perfect his swing.

Meanwhile, Maclain Roberts dedicated his offseason to fine-tuning his command and control on the mound while maintaining velocity. "I worked hard on refining my command and making sure I could locate all my pitches consistently," he said. Additionally, strength training played a key role in his regimen, building muscle mass and endurance to ensure he could sustain peak performance throughout the season. Fall ball provided him with crucial reps against tough competition, allowing him to sharpen his mechanics and further develop his endurance on the mound. As a team, Roberts discussed how it gave them a good opportunity to scrimmage their opponents and see how they fared for this coming season.

For Jax Ryan, the offseason was particularly challenging as he was recovering from shoulder surgery that ended his previous season. “The fall and offseason was a grind for sure. Mixing weights, conditioning, and practice six days a week, I was busy for a lot of that time. The first half of the offseason I was still in physical therapy, but towards the end of the fall, I started getting my swing back and facing live arms. It was great to be back out there!” he shared.

All three players emphasised the importance of team success over individual achievements. Chayton highlighted his team's philosophy: "Our goal is to win every day, not just on the scoreboard, but by playing to the best of our ability and supporting one another." On a personal level, he aims to soak in every moment of his final collegiate season, staying present and cherishing every game. Knowing this is his last ride in college baseball, he wants to embrace every challenge and opportunity, taking nothing for granted.

For Roberts, consistency on the mound is paramount. "I want to be a reliable presence and give my team the best chance to win every time I pitch," he stated. His team at Pima is focused on competing at the highest level, with the ultimate goal of winning the Division 2 Junior College World Series. He stressed the importance of staying locked in and performing with a high level of intensity every time he steps on the field.

Jax Ryan also has ambitious personal and team goals. “Personally, I want to be the best shortstop in the BIG12, no questions asked,” he declared. As a team, Arizona State wants to go to Omaha and compete for the national title.

When asked about the games they are most looking forward to, each player had key matchups in mind. Chayton was especially eager to play against LSU at the Texas Rangers’ stadium, Globe Life Field, on Wednesday, calling it "a super nice place to play close to home against a great team." He also anticipates an electric atmosphere when facing the Ragin' Cajuns in Louisiana, where passionate fans will add to the intensity of the competition. The opportunity to compete in high-stakes environments is something he thrives on, and he looks forward to testing himself against top-tier opponents.

Roberts, on the other hand, is excited for the season as a whole. "Every team we play has the talent to beat us if we don’t bring our best," he noted, emphasising the importance of maintaining focus and energy throughout the long season. His mindset is to treat every game like a championship game, knowing that complacency can be costly at this level.

For Jax, the series against Oklahoma State in May stands out. Being from Oklahoma, Ryan said there will be a lot of people he knows there watching and even on the team which makes him excited. He even added, “Growing up not liking them very much also lights a small fire.” That series will definitely be one to keep an eye out for! Overall, Jax is looking forward to facing new teams in his conference and getting his first full season of collegiate baseball under his belt, all while continuing to prove himself on the big stage and making a statement.

When all three athletes were asked about advice they would give to aspiring Kiwis hoping to make the jump to collegiate ball, they shared some great wisdom. Chayton stressed the importance of confidence and enjoyment. He discussed that if you’re constantly worrying about stats, it becomes stressful, and the love for the game can fade. Instead, players should just go out there, have fun, and be present in the moment. He said by doing this, it will allow you to play with so much more freedom. Krauss insisted that players should “be present where your feet are.” He warned that college flies by faster than you think, so embrace every game regardless of the weather or the result, as before you know it the years will have passed and you’ll be wishing you could go back and do it all again.

Maclain echoed similar sentiments, adding “Trust the process and put in the work every day.” He discussed how the jump from baseball in New Zealand to college baseball is quite a big one so Roberts recommends that good habits both on and off the field are developed early. He emphasised that consistency is key, and players who stay disciplined in their routines will see results over time. Maclain also made sure to advise that players should not be afraid to reach out to coaches as exposure is key, and plenty of people within Baseball New Zealand are eager to help out with that.

Jax Ryan emphasised the importance of daily effort as well. He said to compete every single day no matter what you are doing. “How you do anything is how you do everything,” he added.

With the season underway, all three players are pleased with how their teams have started. Dallas Baptist University has opened strong with a 8-3 record, and Chayton Krauss has been an integral part of the team’s success. The senior infielder is currently hitting .318 through eleven games with three doubles and eleven RBIs, setting the tone for a promising final season.

Maclain Roberts and Pima have been on a roll with an 20-4 record, showcasing their ability to compete at a high level. "There’s always room for improvement, but the team is clicking, and we’re excited to keep pushing forward," Roberts shared. "Personally, I’m living the dream. I love going out on the field every Saturday and doing my best to help the team win." Individually, Maclain has been dominant on the mound, reinforcing why he’s set to transfer to the University of Arizona next season. In five starts (23.1 IP), he has posted a stellar 1.54 ERA, allowing just four runs while striking out 23 batters. His strong performances have contributed to his perfect 3-0 record.

Jax Ryan, returning from injury, has made a strong comeback with Arizona State. In his seven games so far, he is hitting .294 while providing a steady presence at shortstop. The Sun Devils have also had an compelling start, boasting a 8-4 record as they look to continue their momentum.

With dedicated preparation, competitive mindsets, and strong early-season performances, Chayton, Maclain, and Jax are poised to make the most of their college baseball journeys. Each of these athletes are ready to seize every opportunity and make their mark on this season.

Article added: Wednesday 05 March 2025 - Marina Lough