For most high school athletes, excelling in one sport is enough to define a career. For senior Brady Alderson, success has never been limited to one field or court. As a three-sport athlete competing in football, basketball, and baseball, Alderson has built a rare and demanding path defined by discipline, balance, and a relentless drive to improve.
Now, as his high school career comes to a close and he prepares to continue his baseball journey at Concordia University, Alderson reflects on the work, sacrifices, and memories that shaped him into the athlete, and person, he is today.
“It is definitely tough,” Alderson said about balancing three varsity sports. “I have a busy schedule. After practice, I go home and do my homework that I need to do. Then I always need to get good sleep, because I either have practice or games the next day. The rest of the time that I do have, I try to use it wisely and recover as much as I can.”
The routine has been a constant throughout his high school career. From early morning workouts to late nights filled with schoolwork, Alderson has learned how to manage his time with precision. But his journey didn’t start in high school, it began much earlier.
Growing up in an athletic family, Alderson was surrounded by sports from the very beginning. “My parents both played sports,” he said. “My mom played volleyball at Lincoln and my dad played football at Doane, so I grew up in an athletic family. I started playing all three sports when I was about 4 or 5 years old.”
That early exposure quickly turned into a passion. Whether it was football drills, shooting hoops, or playing baseball, Alderson embraced every opportunity to compete. Over time, that passion evolved into a commitment to all three sports, a decision that would ultimately define his high school experience.
While balancing multiple sports can be overwhelming, Alderson believes it has helped him grow into a more complete athlete. “Being a versatile athlete helps translate to other sports,” Alderson said. “The speed and agility aspect of football carries over to basketball, and it helps me make plays. … I have gotten faster, stronger, and powerful, and that helped me become successful.”
That versatility has also contributed to team success. Alderson has competed at the state level for multiple sports: state runner-up in football, state runner-up and state champion in basketball, and made the tournament last season in baseball—an achievement few athletes can claim. For him, those moments represent more than just wins and losses.
“It means a lot, because a lot of people don’t even get to play in one,” Alderson said. “I am very thankful for it, and I feel like my hard work paid off. It helped me get to that point, because I put in the work.”
Among those experiences, his time on the basketball court stands out. Alderson was part of two state tournament teams, where culture and chemistry made a lasting impact. “Definitely the culture that we had on that team,” Alderson said, “everyone was close and very tightly knit. We loved playing with each other and for each other. When you buy into a team like that, it can get you far.”
Along with the success, however, comes a physical and mental toll. Playing three varsity sports year-round leaves little time for rest.
“It takes a big toll on your body, especially on your legs,” Alderson said. “A lot of the time, after football and basketball, I would have to go home and focus a lot on recovery. I feel like, when you get to the varsity level, it definitely takes a toll on your body, because the athletes you are playing are better and the pace of the game is quicker.”
Despite the challenges, Alderson has never lost sight of why he plays: Love of the game. That mindset has helped him push through long seasons and demanding schedules, all while maintaining success in the classroom.
His father, Mr. Clint Alderson, has had a unique perspective watching his son grow; not only as a parent, but as a teacher and coach in the same building.
“He has improved so much over the course of his high school career,” Mr. Alderson said. “A lot of that improvement has come from hard work, determination, and the desire to want to get better. He is that kid that has always prided himself on wanting to improve his skills.”
That growth had extended beyond athletics. Over the years, the younger Alderson has developed physically and mentally, building strength in the weight room and resilience through competition.
“He has physically matured a lot within the last year and a half,” Mr. Alderson said. “He has gotten a lot stronger, he has put a lot of time in the weight room…. I think he’s become very mentally strong through the sports that he has competed in. You learn a lot of life lessons when you play sports, things that you can use in your future and beyond your playing career.”
Those lessons, such as teamwork, accountability and perseverance, are ones his father hopes will stay with him long after high school.
“The ability to work with others is huge,” Mr. Alderson said. “…Understanding the role you have on a team and of how the pieces fit together to achieve success. You have to be accountable for your role and take care of your responsibilities. Having high expectations and holding yourself accountable adds to the team’s success overall.”
For the younger Alderson, those lessons have been shaped by the relationships he has built along the way. From coaches to teammates, the bonds formed through years of competing as a Titan left an impact.
“My dad obviously teaches here, so I grew up as a Titan knowing [Jeff] Spilker, Bubba [Penas], Coach [Bill] Lynam and [Ben] Bails – it felt like I created those bonds,” Brady Alderson said. “I played all three sports when I was younger, with a lot of the guys that I know now, and it means a lot to finish out my high school career playing with those guys that I grew up with.”
As he prepares for his next chapter, Brady Alderson has a clear perspective on what it means to be a multi-sport athlete, and what advice to give someone going down the same path.
“I would definitely suggest it,” he said. “You only have a certain amount of time to play three sports. This was my last year playing three sports, so I just wanted to enjoy all the moments. People should play three sports as long as they can, because there is an opportunity [in high school]. I feel like playing three sports definitely makes you better at others, because it keeps you active. If you only play one sport, it limits your athletic ability; so playing all three maximizes your potential athletic ability.”
At the same time, the college-bound athlete understands the importance of balance and enjoyment. “The only way I would talk someone out of it is if they are feeling burnt out or they’re not enjoying it anymore,” he said.
With his high school career coming to an end, Brady Alderson leaves behind a legacy built on hard work, versatility and commitment. Whether it was under the Friday night lights, on the hardwood, or on the baseball diamond, he consistently gave everything he had.
“It means everything,” Mr. Alderson said. “Titan athletics have been a big part of our life… it’s been really cool over the years to see him be a part of the great things that we have going on here.”
As Brady Alderson moves on to the collegiate level, one thing is certain—his journey as a three-sport athlete has not only shaped his future, but also left a lasting mark on the program he proudly represented.
