Four Vikings Take the Next Step: FPD Baseball Seniors Sign to Play at the Collegiate Level
At First Presbyterian Day School, the mission to educate and equip students to change the world for God’s glory is lived out not only in the classroom, but also on the athletic fields. This year, the FPD baseball program is celebrating a rare and remarkable milestone as four senior student-athletes commit to continue their baseball careers at the collegiate level.
For Brady McHugh, Conner Strandmark, Keon Johnson, and Wyatt Waters, signing to play college baseball represents far more than athletic achievement. It reflects years of discipline, perseverance, faith, and leadership, qualities that define the FPD Profile of a Graduate.
A Rare Milestone for the FPD Baseball Program
Having four players from the same graduating class sign to compete at the next level is an uncommon accomplishment. It speaks to the strength of the program, the culture of accountability, and the commitment these young men have made to developing both their athletic ability and personal character. Playing college baseball requires more than talent alone. According to longtime Athletic Director and baseball mentor Coach Greg Moore, it demands elite skill development, a relentless work ethic, and the ability to trust the process even when recognition is not immediate. These seniors have modeled what it looks like to show up, put in the work, and stay committed to improvement — especially when no one is watching. Their leadership has helped shape a culture of preparation and consistency that will influence younger players for years to come.
Brady McHugh — East Tennessee State University
When Brady talks about signing to play college baseball, it’s clear this moment carries deep meaning. What started as a childhood dream has become a reality built through years of steady work and support from those around him.
“Reaching this milestone means a lot more than just an achievement,” Brady shared. “It makes me think about everyone who helped me get here, especially my parents and my brother.” While baseball seasons come and go, Brady explained that his commitment to the sport never really stops.“ Even when I’m not playing games, it’s still a year-round process — workouts, training, getting stronger so I can compete at the next level.”
He credits Coach Moore as a key voice during the recruiting process. “He did everything he could to help me get seen. He made more calls on my behalf than I ever expected. I truly wouldn’t be playing college baseball without him.”
Looking back, Brady says one lesson stands above the rest.
“I would tell my younger self to listen more and soak in the advice people are willing to give. If someone is trying to help you, respect that and learn from it.”
Baseball has also taught him how to handle failure and pressure, two constants in the sport. “It’s made me more patient and helped me rely more on God. Setbacks are going to happen. Learning to trust the process and turn to Him for guidance has shaped me in a big way.”
As he prepares for his next chapter at East Tennessee State, Brady’s priorities are clear. “I want to glorify God in everything I do. I know college will be busy, but my faith has to stay the main thing. I’m hoping to find a strong church community and people who push me to grow.”
Conner Strandmark — Mercer University
For Conner, the opportunity to continue his baseball career is the result of years of persistence and sacrifice. “It means a lot to me and my family,” he said. “There’s been so much work behind the scenes to get this opportunity, and I’m really grateful for everyone who helped along the way.”
He described the sport as a constant investment of time and energy. “If you want to be good, you have to be fully committed. That means giving up time you could spend doing other things. Baseball is year-round for me, and that’s just what it takes.” Like Brady, Conner points to Coach Moore as a major influence, not just in skill development, but in shaping mindset. “He’s helped me grow as a player and as a person. Baseball is such a mental game, and he’s taught me how important it is to stay focused and stay positive.”
His advice to younger players is simple but powerful. “Never give up. You never know what can happen if you keep working. And always support your teammates, even when things aren’t going your way.” Handling pressure has helped build resilience, he believes will carry into the future.
“I feel like I’ve developed a strong mentality that will help me face hard things. Challenges are coming , that’s just life , and you have to be ready for them.”
At Mercer, Conner hopes to live out his faith through leadership and example. “I want to show people what it looks like to do things the right way and stay on the right path.”
Keon Johnson — Vanderbilt University
Keon described his signing moment as almost surreal — a reminder of how far the game has taken him. “When I first started playing, it was just for fun,” he said.
“Now baseball has become a big part of my life and has opened so many doors. Signing with Vanderbilt is a dream come true, but it’s not the finish line.”
His journey required patience, resilience, and a willingness to embrace failure. “Baseball teaches you quickly that things won’t always go your way. I’ve learned how to bounce back, and more importantly, I’ve learned that my identity isn’t in the sport. My faith in Christ is what grounds me.” Keon credits a wide circle of coaches and mentors for shaping his approach.
“They always told me to stay disciplined in the small things and be ready for the moment. Keep the main thing the main thing.” If he could speak to his younger self, he knows exactly what he’d say.
“Be patient. Life throws curveballs. Don’t rush the journey or worry about what others think. Just stay focused on who you are.” His mindset toward pressure reflects a hard-earned perspective. “Pressure is a privilege. Failure is temporary. Every challenge teaches you something, and I don’t skip class.”
As he prepares for the next level, his goal is simple. “I want to keep God at the center and trust that everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.”
Wyatt Waters — Augusta University
Wyatt’s path to college baseball has been defined by perseverance. After a torn labrum forced him to change positions, he had to rethink his future in the sport. “It means a lot because I had to completely adjust my plan,” he said. “There were a lot of hours and a lot of hard work to get back on track.” He describes baseba
ll as one of the toughest mental sports there is.
“You can do everything right and still fail. If you’re not mentally strong and willing to keep trying, it’s hard to last.”
During that difficult season, Coach Moore’s honesty made a lasting impact. “He told me I could either put in the work or give up. That conversation stuck with me. He believed I still had a chance, and that pushed me to keep going.”
Looking back, Wyatt wishes he had approached his early high school years differently. “I would tell my younger self to care more and give everything I had. You don’t get that time back.” He says pressure has never intimidated him; in fact, he welcomes it. “When you’re prepared, pressure doesn’t feel the same. It becomes an opportunity.” As he heads to Augusta University, Wyatt is focused on staying grounded in his faith.“I just want to trust the path God has planned and follow where He leads.”
As these four seniors prepare to step onto college campuses and into new levels of competition, they carry with them more than statistics and accolades. They carry the lessons learned through early morning workouts, difficult setbacks, trusted mentorship, and a faith that has shaped their perspective on both success and failure. Their journey reflects what makes First Presbyterian Day School athletics distinctive: a commitment to developing disciplined competitors, confident leaders, and young men grounded in Christ-centered purpose. Viking Nation looks forward to cheering them on in the seasons ahead, knowing their impact will extend far beyond the baseball field.