Chloe Gordon is an ASU Cronkite Journalism student assigned to cover Liberty High School for AZPreps365.com

Liberty High School’s baseball team is taking a different approach by playing games outside of Arizona this season. 

It is adjusting to new opponents and unfamiliar environments, recently traveling to Oklahoma and Colorado for the Best of the West Invitational, where they secured impressive wins before heading back home.

For senior Jackson Asher, staying focused is all about being consistent. 

"I try to keep the same mindset, no matter where we're playing or who we're up against," Asher said. "It doesn't matter who's on the other side. It's about our team and how we work together." 

This mindset has really helped Liberty stay competitive all season, even when it's playing in unfamiliar places. By keeping its focus on its own game, the team is able to perform at its best.

Traveling, however, isn’t just about baseball. It’s also about balance.

"When we're on a trip, there's definitely time to have some fun, but let's be real, we all know why we're really there – to come out on top,” Asher said. “As soon as it's game time, everyone's focus shifts and we're all ready to give it our all.”

Asher's goals are all about being a team player, wanting to compete at the top level, and doing everything possible to come out on top. He's driven to show that his team can hold its own against any other team, and that they have what it takes to win. 

It's not just about individual achievement, but about working together to achieve success. By putting the team first, Asher is demonstrating a strong commitment to his teammates and to the sport as a whole. 

Ervey Quijada, a senior, said that playing games away from their home field can be really tough because it's a new environment. 

“It's not just about the weather or the time zones, it's about how comfortable I feel,” Quijada said. “But even with all these changes, I don't change how I play the game. I like to stick with what I know, and use the same approach I use when I’m playing at home”. 

Facing unfamiliar teams has also elevated the team’s awareness.

“You can't always know what's going to happen at the ballpark, so you have to be ready for anything,” Quijada said. “Teams often have something unexpected that they can use to their advantage. But we have gotten really good at adjusting to new situations and playing against all sorts of different teams, which has actually become one of our strong points.”

Those long bus rides and weekends away from home have given the players a chance to really get to know each other and to connect on a deeper level, making a big difference in how they work together as a team. 

“It's like they've become more than just teammates, they've become friends, and that's what makes their team chemistry so strong,” head coach Christopher Raymond said.

The most memorable part of these road trips has been the time the team spends together, Asher and Quijada said. 

Those shared experiences translate directly onto the field.

“The connection off the field can really help a lot when we are on the field,” Asher said.

Quijada also noted the team's trust.

“We always have each other’s backs with anything," he said. "We are brothers.” 

Raymond is working hard to make sure his team gets along and works well together, both on and off the field. He's doing this by having them participate in community service, team-building activities, and planning trips together.

"We're trying to help our players grow into responsible adults," Raymond said. "We want to help them become men that everyone can be proud of."

Planning is crucial when it comes to making these trips a success. Everything from the itinerary to the support of the school's booster club is carefully thought out. 

"Scheduling is key,  we make sure the players have a detailed plan of what's happening every minute of the day," Raymond said. "This way, everyone knows what to expect and we can prepare accordingly.” 

By having a clear plan in place, the team can focus on their game and make the most of their trip. It's all about paying attention to the little details and making sure everything runs smoothly. 

Traveling can be tough, but Raymond thinks it's worth it. He says that hitting the road comes with a lot of challenges, but there's something about getting on a bus that gets him ready for what's ahead. He's found that his teams often concentrate better when they're away from home. 

“It's like they're more focused," he said. "Maybe it's because they're out of their comfort zone, or maybe it's just the change of scenery, but whatever it is, it seems to work for them.”

The experience teaches them more than just the game.

"I want them to feel what it's like to work together towards a goal, like a business trip," Raymond said. "The friendships they make will stay with them forever."