Senior Series - Dominic Brancel

Hawken School provides an incredible opportunity for learning, but playing a sport outside of the classroom has given me some of my most meaningful memories. Playing baseball at Hawken has given me opportunities that I never would have had in the classroom. I have made memories and lifelong friends throughout my years as a member of the Hawken baseball program.

I have a handful of memories that I will cherish forever, but there are a few that stand above the rest.

One of my favorite memories was when we played at Chagrin Falls last year in possibly the best game I've played in my high school experience. We ended up losing in the 16-inning duel, but the way the team came together after that loss was what made it special. We knew we were a talented group, but we still hadn't come together as a team. We were playing as a group of individuals, but after the game, we decided to put our personalities aside and play together as a team, and we became one group united by a common goal to win states.

Another memory that is special to me is our game against South Range in the regional semi-final. This was the first time in over 20 years the baseball team had been to the regionals, and we were not taking it for granted. The energy we had coming into the game was on another level. I remember throwing a runner out from my knees to end the 5th inning, and we took the lead with a double in the 6th inning to put us up 2-1. We ended up winning the game, and celebrating with the team was one of the best feelings I've ever had.

As a Hawken senior, I want to help the students who come after me. I want to help them learn to play as a team and develop new friendships that will last them a lifetime. Baseball has given me some of my favorite memories, but perhaps the best are the memories I have playing for Hawken. There is nothing like playing with your best friends for a chance to win a state championship.