Carter Hoskins has played baseball for 13 years, so it wasn’t a hard decision when he decided to take his career to the next level. It was Oct. 14 when Hoskins committed to Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.
Academics played a big role in why Hoskins chose Luther. “I chose Luther because it was the perfect location for what I want to do after college and the coach told me everything I wanted to hear on my visit,” Hoskins stated.
Hoskins has been a part of the Pleasant Valley varsity baseball team since his sophomore year. He is the team’s center fielder and right handed power hitter. In the 2018 season, he had a batting average of .291 and a .971 fielding percentage.
It was not the easiest process for Hoskins because of the feeling he might be missing out on other opportunities. “The hardest part was making sure Luther was the best option for me and that I wasn’t missing out on any other opportunities with other schools,” Hoskins explained.
It was hard work that gave him the opportunity to play at the next level. His teammate for many years, Peyton Linmark, said, “Carter is a very hard worker. He is one of the first kids to show up to games or practice and he is one of the last to leave as well.”
Luther is a Division 3 college that has a great pre-med program, which is what Hoskins wants to study. The Norse baseball team is coached by Bryan Nikkel, who has been there for four years. In 2016, he led the Norse to a record of 34-14, the Iowa Conference Tournament championship, and a trip to the NCAA III National Baseball Tournament Central Regional.
“The coaching staff had my same goals in mind before we even sat down and had a conversation. I liked how they wanted to hear my thoughts and feelings about what I wanted rather than just immediately saying what they wanted from me. They were also about creating a family environment on and off the field which was important to me,” Hoskins said.
Lindmark and the whole Pleasant Valley baseball team is excited to see what Hoskins can accomplish at the next level. “It’s really exciting seeing him decide to take his talents to the next level. He is a good player and it has been fun growing up with him and seeing him develop,” Lindmark explained.
