The biggest keys for success when it comes to balancing three sports, according to Jed Hedlund, are time management and staying focused.
As a senior at Valley Christian Academy, Hedlund has managed his time wisely. A tri-sport athlete, he’s found success in football, basketball, and baseball. Playing all three sports has helped him mature as a person and a player, he said.
“I was lucky and had parents that got me involved in sports early,” Hedlund explained. “Sports is great at helping people mature and learn how to be part of a team.”
Kyle Courtney, basketball and baseball coach at VCA, said Hedlund works incredibly hard as an athlete.
“Jed is always in the gym or working on his game,” Courtney said. “And he is a natural leader.”
Courtney shared with the Sun the list of Jed’s achievements at VCA: In football, he served as quarterback and set passing records for the school. He was named All-CIF and co-Most Valuable Player (MVP) for football. In baseball, the senior was named second team All-League his junior year and was promoted to first team as a senior. Hedlund finished the season with a .446 batting average and broke the stolen base record with 33 stolen bases.
As a point guard in basketball, Hedlund racked up 1,100 points in his career. Honored with first-team All-League and a two-time MVP, he was also named to All-CIF second team two times.
All this, and Hedlund maintains a 3.97 grade point average. Neither Hedlund nor Courtney will deny that basketball is his best sport—and it happens to be Hedlund’s favorite. Playing since he could first pick up a basketball, Hedlund recently achieved his ultimate goal of committing to play in college.
“I’ll be going to Baptist Bible College, a Division III school in Wisconsin,” he said. “It’s cool how everything worked out.”
Hedlund said he’d like to major in business with a minor in sports medicine. For the senior, this last round of sports was more special because it marked the last time he’d play with friends he’d played with since grade school.
“I’ll miss them, but I will continue to do my best for the Lord and my family,” Hedlund said.
Coach Courtney said Hedlund will be missed at VCA.
“Jed is very strong in his faith, has tremendous character, and stands up for what he believes in,” Courtney said. “He is talented but works hard and will do anything you ask of him.”
This article appears in May 30 – Jun 6, 2013.