Nathaniel Hulen, Hamilton Heights senior, has signed a letter of intent to play baseball for DePauw University in Greencastle this fall. DePauw University is a member of the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) and a NCAA Division III athletic institution. He is the son of Christopher and Lisa Hulen.
Hulen said he chose DePauw because it has a beautiful campus with many social opportunities and a fantastic graduate network. “I know numerous family and friends who are successful DePauw graduates,” said Hulen, who plans to study life sciences and finance to ultimately work in the business side of the medical industry. “DePauw Baseball Head Coach Blake Allen is an inspiring and motivating mentor and coach.”
Hulen has played baseball for 10 years. He has travelled and played on several travel teams with his Husky friends the whole time. Training off season and year-round lifting helped prepare him to play at the next level.
He credits his parent’s constant support and teammates since age eight (Harrison, Guy, Drew, Jackson, and Sam) as having a significant influence on him as a person and a player. “We played a lot of ball together,” recalled Hulen. “In addition, Coach VanOeveren has always been there with training and his barn!”
A multisport athlete, Hulen played baseball and football at Heights earning varsity letters all four years in both sports. In football, he was named All Conference two years, team captain for two years and named to the Academic All-State Team. In baseball, he was named to the All-Conference Team and helped Heights bring home the 2021 Sectional and Conference Championships.
“Nate has been a strong utility player for the program but most recently solidified his position behind the plate,” said Kurt Ogden, Hamilton Heights High School Athletic Director. “He has worked hard in the off-season to become stronger, and it really shows. We’re very proud of Nate and the opportunity he gets to play baseball at DePauw University. We wish him well.”
Hulen is also a strong student and engaged academically. He is a four-year member of Student Government serving as treasurer and is a two-year member of the National Honor Society. In addition, he is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
“I had a great time at Hamilton Heights and enjoyed all of my coaches and teachers,” added Hulen. “I’m looking forward to starting my college studies at DePauw. Go Tigers!”