Local ball player crowned player of the year

By Melissa Piche Times Contributor

For most young athletes, earning recognition at the provincial level is a dream. 

For 18-year-old Aubrey Stender that dream became reality last weekend in Edmonton when he was awarded Baseball Alberta’s U18 AAA Player of the Year, a milestone he describes as both meaningful and long-awaited.

“I feel accomplished,” laughed Stender, as he searched for the right words. “Ever since I went to U18 Baseball Alberta, I knew that (Player of the Year Award) was a thing and I just wanted to win it, and I feel after three years, being my last year as well, it just feels like a great accomplishment in my (baseball) career.”

Stender has spent more than a decade on the diamond. 

“This year was my 11th year of playing baseball.” he said. 

Growing up through Strathmore Minor Baseball, he developed steadily, eventually becoming one of the top players in the province and earning attention from college programs.

“This year I got a scholarship for baseball in Williston North Dakota,” he explained, where he plays for the Williston State Tetons. “And I think that was a big turning point, mainly because I wasn’t trying; this season was not like a season for trying to make myself seen, you know? It was more of a development and just (to) have a little more fun. And I think that’s one of the reasons why I was able to get Player of the Year, because I was more relaxed and I just felt more in the element and playing the sport I love.”

The transition to a higher level of competition hasn’t been as overwhelming as one might expect.

“Not as much as I would have thought,” he said. “I’ve been playing with teams that the competition is just way higher than the small-town baseball. I’ve played with an academy out of Saskatoon that went down to Arizona and played a bunch of college teams, and so I think it’s good that I got the exposure before going because now I kind of know what’s going on and I know what to expect and what the coaches look for.”

Despite the award and the college opportunity, Stender remains grounded and quick to credit those who helped him get here. When asked about the biggest influences on his growth, he didn’t hesitate.

“Strathmore Minor Baseball, that was the stepping stone. I would not be where I am without them,” he said. “They have been there since Day 1. They’ve been coaching me since day one. They know what I do. They know what to do. It’s just been great.”

Another key influence is his father. 

“He’s living through me a little bit and he pushes me to go harder, and he drives me all these places,” said Stender. “The support from my family and friends is also awesome.”

Looking ahead, Stender says he’s focused on the present. 

“I’m kind of tunnel vision right now with this year, it’s constantly competing for a spot, so I’m kind of just focusing on the spot now,” he said. “Further down the line now, I’m gonna be playing baseball until I can’t. I’ll go as far as I can.”

For now, Stender is enjoying the moment, an honour earned through years of dedication, community support and unwavering love for the game. 

“I’m doing what I love,” he said simply. “And I’m going to continue doing what I love.”