The Troy University baseball squad, a fixture in the 2026 College World Series, turned an off‑day into a chance to give back, heading to Children’s Nebraska in Omaha for a brief but heartfelt visit.
A Lesson in Humility
During a roughly sixty‑minute stop, players moved from room to room, signing baseballs, posing for selfies and exchanging high‑fives with youngsters who were eager to meet the athletes. One child, a devoted Harry Potter enthusiast, sparked laughter when a player mimicked a wand gesture, turning the clinic into a whimsical crossover of sport and fantasy.
Dillon Kuehl, a senior pitcher who grew up in Omaha, described the outing as “like a reunion” with his hometown. He added that the experience underscored the team’s mental resilience after a string of recent games, noting that “seeing the kids’ smiles puts everything in perspective.”
Head coach Skylar Meade, who has repeatedly stressed humility, used the visit to reinforce the program’s core values. “Our job isn’t just to win on the field,” Meade said. “It’s to remember why we play — because we can make a difference off it.”
The episode serves as a reminder that success in collegiate athletics is measured not only by trophies but also by the impact players have on the communities that support them. By stepping away from the diamond to connect with patients and families, the Troy roster illustrated a commitment to service that could inspire peers across the sport.