Chickasha High School senior outfielder JK Van Ess approaches baseball the same way he approaches life: nothing is given, everything is earned.
For Van Ess, that mindset starts at home. He points to his dad as his biggest inspiration, not because of anything flashy, but because of his daily consistency and commitment to their family. “My dad inspires me because he goes to work every single day and no matter what he comes home and is a great father and role model to me and my siblings,” Van Ess said. It is an example that has shaped the way he carries himself on and off the field.
On the diamond, Van Ess patrols the outfield for the Chickasha baseball program, embracing both the responsibility and challenges that come with the position. Reading balls off the bat, covering ground in the gaps and communicating with teammates demand focus every pitch, but he enjoys being in the middle of the action. He has grown to love the rhythm of the game, especially when he gets a fastball to hit, his favorite pitch to see at the plate.
Being part of the Chickasha team is what makes the sport truly special for Van Ess. He said his favorite part of being a member of the program is simply being around his teammates every day. The dugout energy, bus rides and time spent in the locker room all help build a bond that translates between the lines. “Everybody is fun to be around and everyone wants to win,” he said. That shared competitiveness and camaraderie are what keep him excited to come to the ballpark.
Away from baseball, Van Ess enjoys hanging out with friends at the pool hall or the bowling alley when he gets free time. Those moments give him a chance to relax, unwind and stay connected with the same teammates he battles alongside during games. On campus, he points to his advisory teacher, Mrs. Jantzen, as his favorite teacher and someone who has made a positive impact on his school experience.
Now in his senior year, Van Ess is trying to make the most of every inning he has left in a Chickasha uniform. He said athletics has taught him that “you gotta work for everything,” a lesson he knows will carry far beyond high school baseball. Whether it is in the classroom, at practice or later in life, Van Ess plans to keep applying the work ethic and resilience that have defined his time with the Chicks.
