Sports Locker • January/February 2025 • Wyatt Jordan

At New Bloomfield High School, junior Wyatt Jordan is proving that effort and teamwork are the keys to success, both on and off the field. Splitting his time between baseball and basketball, Wyatt plays second base and pitcher on the diamond while covering both guard and forward positions on the court. For Wyatt, sports are about more than just competition—they’re about building connections. “I love the sense of brotherhood that comes with playing on a team. It’s about creating relationships that go beyond the game.”

Wyatt’s journey began at just three years old with wiffle ball games in the backyard, coached by his dad, Jerry. “He made it fun for me, and that’s why I kept playing.” Jerry has remained a constant source of support, always ready to fine-tune Wyatt’s swing or jump shot. Wyatt’s mom, Carol, plays an equally important role, cheering from the stands and encouraging him to push himself. “I can always count on her.” His older brother, Trevor Jordan—a Sports Locker Alum, set an example that Wyatt strives to follow, and now Wyatt hopes to be that same guiding light for his younger brother, Brody, who joins high school sports next year. “Trevor set the bar for me, and I want to do the same for Brody.”

Last season Wyatt had one of his favorite moments during a basketball game against Belle. Down by one point late in the game, he drove to the basket for a layup to take the lead. Then, after forcing a turnover, he got fouled on the inbound play. “I made the first free throw to go up by two. I missed the second, but I got a jump ball on the rebound as the clock ran out.” That game, filled with grit and quick thinking, perfectly reflects Wyatt’s approach to sports. “The past is the past. You can’t change it, so I focus on the next play.”

Wyatt’s dedication to improvement is evident in his off-season work. He spends time in the weight room to build strength and always listens to feedback from his coaches. “If a coach tells me to do something, I do it.” His effort has already translated into success. Last fall Wyatt’s baseball team went 13-4, handing St. Elizabeth their only loss of the season. Meanwhile, the basketball team enjoyed its best season since 2017-18, a trend Wyatt hopes to continue this year. “I want to use my voice more to become a better leader.”

Outside of sports, Wyatt loves spending time outdoors, whether it’s hunting deer and turkey with his dad or duck hunting with Trevor. He also enjoys fishing during his downtime. In the classroom, Wyatt excels in science and math, ranking among the top three students in his class. He plans to pursue environmental and animal science after graduation, with hopes of working for the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Wyatt’s tight-knit community has played a big role in his journey. “Living in a small town means everyone knows each other, and seeing people show up at games means a lot.” That support inspires him to be a role model for younger students, showing them the value of hard work and commitment. “I want them to see how I approach games and practices and encourage them to put in the same effort. (Just like my favorite quote) Effort over Everything.”

As Wyatt steps up to the plate and takes the court for another season, he’s ready to swing for the fences and sink every shot that comes his way. With his family in the stands and his teammates by his side, Wyatt is set to keep driving in runs and dishing out assists. Whether he’s pitching a shutout or nailing a buzzer-beater, Wyatt proves that when you hustle for every play, you’re always in the game.