Kaden Halsrud '23 Recruiting Profile

Hello, my name is Kaden Halsrud and I attend Johnston High School in Johnston, Iowa.  Johnston is a suburb of Des Moines. My graduation date is May, 2023.  I am a starting pitcher and first baseman for the Johnston Dragons, and my sophomore season recently ended.

 Along with two years of pitching and first base high school experience, I also have three-years -experience playing USSSA Baseball, Majors Division, with the Johnston Sun Devils.  During my time with the Sun Devils, I was a utility player, playing infield, outfield and pitching. In 2017, I was a part of the Johnston All Star team who won Districts and State and competed at Regionals in Indianapolis, IN. We were two games away from punching our tickets to go to Williamsport, PA for the Little League World Series.  It was an experience I will never forget. The work ethic and playing skills taught by the Sun Devils coaches influenced me and helped me excel into high school. When I was younger, I also played Tee ball and Little League.

In 2016, my family moved to Johnston from a small town in northern Iowa.  The transition from a small town, private school to a large, city, public school was a little intimidating and challenging at first. I knew I was going to have to work harder and become a better player in order to succeed. But I love the game of baseball and I was determined.

High school baseball for the Dragons is challenging. Practices are long, hard and tiring. It is a highly competitive program with over 120 kids trying to earn a spot. We practice two to five hours a day, six days a week during the season.  The offseason is almost as grueling with regular throwing, hitting and lifting weights. In order to be a part of the Johnston baseball program, a player needs to be committed to their team and willing to challenge themselves. 

Another challenge was the global pandemic.  Throughout the pandemic lockdown, I worked out daily by lifting weights, hitting off a tee and throwing into a net.  With approval from my coaches, I created my own exercise regimen and drill schedule. I didn’t want to fall behind in my development and I wanted to be sure that I would be game speed ready when the pandemic was over. In addition to the workouts, I followed nutrition plans and sleep schedules (distributed by my coaches) to ensure I maintained a healthy weight and took the rest I needed.

My current goals are to work hard and compete at the highest level possible in high school.  And, to ready myself for competition at the collegiate level.

My ultimate goal is to play baseball in college. And, I believe I’m on my way to achieving that goal.

Update - On Sunday July 11th I was notified that I was being pulled up to the varsity team for the remainder of the year.  Our Sophomore season ended Friday July 10th so my season will continue on.