Dominic Pasella is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Desert Vista High School for AZPreps365.com

Desert Vista High School baseball is off to a blazing start to its season with a 18-4 overall record and a 4-1 region record, good for first in the 6A Central region. 

A major reason for the Thunder’s success in 2026 has been its team chemistry. 

The team has brought intensity on the field, but even more off it, as fans can hear the sounds of support from the DVHS dugout throughout the stadium.

“It means the most,” Desert Vista junior Seth Skinner said. “I mean, our chemistry is definitely first in the state, for sure. Everyone’s close. We hang out every day. It’s good to see everyone cheer for each other.”

When Thunder players are up to bat, it is common to hear yelling from the DVHS dugout, using nicknames to support their teammates.

Every time that a Desert Vista player drives in a run, his teammates are waiting for him in the dugout, creating a human tunnel to shower their teammate in cheers and sounds of, “Hey, hey, hey!”

“When the dugout can produce energy for the guys in the field, it puts everyone in a different mindset,” Desert Vista pitcher Hagen Haefs said. 

Last year, DVHS finished the season with a 20-11 overall record and finished fourth in the region, but Thunder captain Ben Romaine said he believes that this team’s synergy has made it even stronger.

“Last year, we had a good team as well,” Romaine said. “But this year everyone gets along, like our team just has all these inside jokes and everything.”

Desert Vista’s players have developed a strong on-field chemistry through what they do in the days between games.

Before every home game, DVHS players will meet at either a restaurant or a player’s home for a team dinner. At these dinners, the players hang out, enjoy each other’s company and have fun before a big game.

“It has been the heart of our way of winning,” Haefs said. “And we’re just going to continue to go to team dinners to hang out and stay locked in.”

Desert Vista parents have seen the effects of the team dinners as well, and continue to support their sons and help build chemistry for the team.

“It’s taking it further than what it had been before, it’s actually pretty cool to see,” Tim Romaine, Ben Romaine’s father, said.

Another major contributor to the Thunder’s chemistry this year has come from its senior leaders. 

DVHS has eight seniors on the roster this season, and their leadership on and off the field has improved the team in multiple ways.

“The seniors are like second coaches,” Haefs said. “We listen to them, and they know what gets the team going and ready to play ball.”

Ben Romaine, a senior and team captain, has embraced his leadership role as the year has continued.

“I just make sure the dugout has energy … and make sure everyone’s working hard,” Romaine said.