LIBERTY LAKE, Wash. --- It's easy to see why Head Coach Jeff Calhoon's group is thrilled to form strong connections with Yakima Valley Baseball and the entire Northwest Athletic Conference when the Eagles sign student-athletes like Brayden Hamilton. 
 
A 2018 graduate of Central Valley High School in Washington, Hamilton was an all-league selection in two sports in high school, had a nice start to the 2020 campaign at the start of March, and wants to study neuropsychology and the diagnosis of brain malfunctions after completing his undergraduate degree. 
 
The catcher simply hits the Biola Baseball's values for athleticism and character right on the head and the Eagles are naturally excited that his addition will enhance the quality of the whole roster:
 
"Brayden might be the cherry on top of our catching corps; he brings a quality left-handed swing with a high-level of defense behind the plate to this program," said Coach Calhoon. "He also comes highly recommended from coaches throughout the Northwest and brings a winning edge with him from his junior college, so I look forward to working with Brayden defensively and getting another NWAC player into our program!"
 
Before joining a Yaks team that swept its way through the NWAC Super Regionals and into the Championship Tournament in 2019, Hamilton was a stud for the Central Valley Bears. He was a four-year starter who led the Bears to a berth in the 4A District 8 baseball playoffs in 2018 and was called a "pitching coach on the field" by his high school coach. He earned two All-Greater Spokane League First Team selections at catcher and threw in an All-GSL selection as a free safety on the football team. 
 
And on top of all that, Hamilton's acumen in the classroom earned him Central Valley's 2018 Male GSL Scholar-Athlete of the Year award from the National Electrical Contractors Association. 
 
Then he continued to succeed at YVC, as one may expect from his accomplishments in high school. This past quarter Hamilton was named to the Yakima Valley President's List, which recognizes students who earned at 3.85 GPA or above during the quarter. He also smashed two homeruns, scored five times and drove in five during the six games he appeared in this year before the Yaks' season was halted. 
 
Hamilton will be living outside his home state for the first time when he starts at Biola in the fall. But the move will allow him the opportunity to pursue the aspirations that carry significance for him, including trips to Dodger Stadium and Angels Stadium as he works toward the goal of visiting every MLB ballpark.
 
"Having lived in Washington my whole life, it has always been a goal of mine to go play baseball in Southern California," said Hamilton. "I chose Biola because it is a beautiful school, and it is a place I will be able to further my faith which will help me excel in all aspects of my life."
 
Brayden Hamilton plans to major in psychology at Biola and will join an Eagles team that has legitimate hopes for a run at an NCAA West Regional Berth in 2021. More information on the incoming 2020-21 class that will join him at Biola can be found on the Committed Athletes page.