Joshua Eaton is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Higley High School for AZPreps365.com.

Ryan Chapman, head coach of the Higley Knights varsity baseball team, has spent his whole life around the diamond. After his baseball playing career at Mesa High School concluded in 2011, he knew he wanted to stay connected to the sport, but was unsure which route was calling his name.

At the age of 21, the opportunity finally came knocking for Chapman.

“When I was done playing baseball, I always wanted to get back in,” Chapman said. “I didn't know whether that would be as a sports journalist, an announcer, a coach, whatever it may be. It was just kind of one day, going to a youth baseball game with my wife and her uncle was there, and he said, ‘Hey man, we need some help over at Higley High, would you be interested in doing it? What's your schedule like?’ It just all meshed really well and ten years later (I’m still here).”

In his first year coaching baseball, Chapman spent the fall leading Sossaman Middle School’s baseball team and the spring serving as the head coach for Higley’s freshman and junior varsity squads.

A few years later, Chapman earned the assistant varsity coach title at Higley and was promoted to become the Knights varsity head coach following the 2022-23 season.

Coaching baseball has not only helped Chapman stay connected to the game but has also helped him grow off the field. As a husband and father to three children, Chapman’s approach to coaching and parenting has gone hand-in-hand.

“Everything as far as coaching wise, building rapport with players is about making deposits,” Chapman said. “I learned that in my first year (coaching), that I could relate to these guys. I was on the younger side, so the relatability was easy, but making deposits to build trust was huge. What I take from what I do here, and holding these guys accountable, is really vice versa with my family and my kids. I mean, they're much younger than these guys, but just setting standards and really character traits that are going to help not only these young men here, but my family grow and succeed has been really huge.”

Chapman’s commitment to making deposits into the future generation of baseball players has been very clear to senior outfielder Nate Kimmel.

Kimmel, a Tacoma Community College commit, transferred to Higley before the 2024-25 season, and described a feeling of intimidation joining a new team. Chapman quickly wiped away his fears.

“The very first practice I was there, he was super friendly and acted like I already knew him,” Kimmel said with a smile. “I was kind of a little scared and intimidated to walk in. I didn’t know any of these guys, I was brand new. (After that moment) I instantly knew he was a good guy and was going to be a good coach.”

Junior infielder Jordan Heraldez, who has spent all three years in Chapman’s system, echoed Chapman’s welcoming nature and demeanor.

“You can talk to him about anything,” Heraldez said. “Basketball, hockey, football, everything. Even parents are asking questions about personal stuff or just about their kid. He always tells us to talk to him first. He's just super open-minded, like he gets where you're coming from. He’s lived through a lot of (similar) experiences already, so he knows what to do and how to work around (obstacles).”

No matter where Chapman goes, his first-class character is unchanging.

“I'm the same person wherever I go, to be honest with you,” Chapman said. “
I don't change. So whether I'm here on the ball field, if I'm at work, or if I'm at home, I'm the same person.”