Andrew VanOeveren, Hamilton Heights senior, has signed a letter of intent to play baseball for Kankakee Community College (KCC) in Kankakee, Ill. this fall. KCC is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). He is the son of Ryan and Tami VanOeveren.
VanOeveren said he was inspired by KCC’s educational and athletic opportunities. KCC’s mission statement, “Enhancing quality of life through learning” resonated with VanOeveren. The college offers personalized attention and a wide variety of programs that transfer easily. Athletically, the opportunity to continue playing baseball at the next level will give him the best shot of achieving his dreams. While he hasn’t settled on a specific field of study participating in Exploratory at KCC should help him find the right fit. VanOeveren, who is good with numbers, hopes his experience at KCC will help him shore up his career path going forward.
“I have been playing baseball for as far back as I can remember and have loved every minute of it including the ups and downs,” said VanOeveren, who received Honorable Mention All-County Baseball and played basketball at Heights for two years. “To improve my pitching skills, I have trained at PRP Baseball throughout my high school career and have attended the Florida Baseball Ranch to further my knowledge, skills, and abilities,” he noted.
“Drew has been passionate about baseball from a very early age,” said Kurt Ogden, Hamilton Heights High School Athletic Director. “He has worked extremely hard to earn this privilege and it has been fun watching him develop into an outstanding baseball player over the years. We wish him well as he takes his talents to Kankakee Community College.”
VanOeveren, a member of the National Honor Society, and who was a part of helping Heights earn a Sectional and Conference Championship in 2021, credits his parents for being a huge influence in his development as a pitcher and becoming a man. In addition, Coaches Vogt, Gomez, and Randy were all instrumental throughout the process. “Thank you to everyone who supported me along this journey, and to all my friends, family, and teammates for always having my back as I have yours,” he added. “Thank you!” #humcavs