The sound of the bat, the smell of the dirt, and the rush of the game have been familiar to Chandler Joslin for as long as he can remember. “I play football and baseball. My parents were who got me started at a young age in baseball,” he said. That early push set him on a path that’s led to success in both sports at Antlers High School.
Behind every great athlete is a solid support system, and for Chandler, one person stands out. “My mom,” he said simply, when asked who he’d like to thank for supporting him along the way. Her steady encouragement has been a driving force behind his growth both on and off the field.
When it comes to team culture, Chandler believes the bond between his teammates makes all the difference. “The team’s chemistry is great. We all have a sense of humor and are able to joke around and have fun while playing the sport,” he said. That camaraderie helps the team stay motivated and focused during intense competition.
Chandler plays center field, a position that demands speed, awareness, and quick reactions. To stay sharp, he puts in the work even outside of scheduled practices. “I play center field, and to prepare I get extra reps in the cage or field in off time,” he explained. His dedication doesn’t stop there. “If we have a game, I work out before school then play in the evening. If no game, I go to practice for a few hours then go work out.”
One of the most difficult moments in Chandler’s athletic journey happened during his sophomore year. “I got hit by a pitch in the face and got a broken nose, a concussion, and seven stitches. To overcome it, I just toughed it out to play,” he said.
Of course, there have been high points too. “A memorable moment from last year is when we played Tishomingo and had nine bombs,” he recalled. As for goals this season? “I would like to make it in the top four of the district and make it as far as we can.”
Looking forward, Chandler shared his vision: “I see myself at OSU getting a degree in civil engineering.” And while college football is on his radar, one thing is for sure—he’s going to keep working hard every single day.