Kaden Wint began his athletic career as a soccer player after taking up the global game at the age of four.
But as much as he enjoyed being out on the pitch, he eventually found his calling in being pitched to.
The decision to make the jump from the soccer field to the baseball diamond was one that was inspired by his grandmother.
"My grandma is a big Toronto Blue Jays fan and has loved the game since a young age," Wint said.
"She would always say that I should try baseball. When I first played, I fell in love with the game instantly."
His first experience came when he was signed up for the Cambridge Bulldogs house league team and while he admits he had no idea what to expect, he was ready and eager to learn.
Those expectations, and his skill level, have changed dramatically in the years since, culminating in a scholarship to play at Allen County Community College in Iola, Kansas.
The Red Devil coaching staff got an up close and personal look at the infielder when his high school team, the High Performance Tigers based out of Mississauga, made a stop on their campus during a recent fall college tour.
After playing against them, Wint knew the school was the right fit. Being able to compete day in and day out in a high speed environment is what excited him the most about the opportunity.
"I have strong expectations when I arrive on campus," he said.
"I've already attended Allen County for a visit where we played them and as soon as I saw the team, I knew this would be a spot for me. I love how the team goes about things and how coach (Wyatt) Moore runs things."
Two aspects of the program that stood out was their player development and placement. The list of players who have moved on from the two year junior college to four year programs is long and one Wint hopes to add his name to.
He says the Red Devils can expect a player that's a good teammate and brings energy, speed and puts pressure on opposing defences and pitchers.
Its a foundation that was built while playing in Cambridge as a youngster.
"Cambridge made me fall in love with the game because at a young age those games felt like we were battling for a World Series," Wint recalls of playing in his hometown.
"On and off the field it was your teammates that made you feel like you have a second home and pushed you to be your best."