Sam Allen, Hamilton Heights senior, has signed a letter of intent to play baseball for Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich. this fall. Wayne State University is a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) and a NCAA Division II athletic institution. He is the son of Scott and Jana Allen.
Allen chose Wayne State University because of 1) its impressive nursing career pathway; 2) downtown Detroit campus; and 3) the university’s baseball program is driven with a closeness among the players. All of which, he said, was appealing to him and what made Wayne State his top pick to pursue a career in nursing and play baseball.
Allen, who plays shortstop, is as strong in the classroom as he is in the field. He earned four varsity letters playing baseball, named All-Conference Honorable Mention as a freshman, 2021 Hamilton County Reporter All-County Baseball Team, and 2021 IndyStar All State Honorable Mention Team. He also helped bring the team Sectional and Conference Division Championships in 2021.
“I have been playing baseball for as far back as I can remember and travel baseball beginning at age eight,” recalled Allen, who has never looked back. He credits the Indiana Primetime Baseball’s staff and coaches as being a huge part of his development as a player over the years, especially Coach VanO for all that he has done for him during his tenure on the team. “He taught me so much, but the two biggest lessons were to learn to master the boring stuff and always find something to work at and improve,” Allen explained. He is also grateful to his mom for being by his side every step of the way. “I can’t thank her enough,” he noted.
“Sam has been a mainstay in the program since his freshman year,” said Kurt Ogden, Hamilton Heights High School Athletic Director. “He’s a fundamentally sound player who leads by example. He’s been very consistent at the plate and in the field and that’s what’s earned him this opportunity to play at Wayne State University. We wish him well on his new journey.”
Allen is involved with Arcadia Christian Church Bible Study, is a member of the Honor Society (2019-2022), served as Junior Class Vice President (2021-2022) and Senior Class Vice President (2021-2022), and helps run baseball camps.
“I have always had a huge love the game so being able to play another four years is nothing less than an amazing opportunity,” said Allen, who plans to earn his bachelor’s degree in nursing at WSU, then enroll in a graduation program, and ultimately become a nurse practitioner. “I can’t wait to keep learning, getting better, and contribute to more success at Wayne State.”