TJ Scully is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover St. Mary's Catholic High School for AZPreps365.com

PHOENIX – Under the Arizona sun, the baseball team at St. Mary’s Catholic High School moves through another practice, where the focus extends beyond the game. 

For players such as seniors Luis Mejia and Sean Berry, the season reflects the challenge of balancing academics, expectations and the demands of a program that asks for more than just performance on the field.

At St. Mary’s, baseball is not defined by facilities or rankings. Instead, players point to effort, accountability and consistency as the foundation of the program.

"We don’t have facilities or anything, and we still produce the same as teams ranked higher than us,” Berry said. “We do it with less.”

That reality starts with a challenge few programs face. The team does not have a home field and must rely on city facilities to play games.

“We’re at the mercy of the City of Phoenix trying to reserve a field,” head coach Chris Rideau said. “We just try to make the best and do what we can.”

Players rely on one another both on and off the field to maintain that standard.

“What makes this program different is the hard work you put in on and off the field,” Mejia said. “We’re in the classroom helping each other, in the weight room pushing each other, and on the field we’re picking each other up.”

The expectations of the players extends into the classroom. At St. Mary’s, academics are directly tied to a player’s ability to compete.

“We’re student-athletes here,” Berry said. “If you don’t maintain your grades, you don’t get to be on the field.”

Balancing those responsibilities requires discipline and time management. Mejia said seeking help is a key part of staying in good academic standard.

“If I’m struggling, I’ll go to teachers or my friends and stay after school or class just to stay ahead,” Mejia said. 

That structure has helped shape players beyond baseball. Both seniors said the program has allowed them to grow as both a player and a person.

“It shaped me as a good person,” Berry said. “My teammates and coaches instill discipline on and off the field, and we build character around each other.”

For Mejia, that growth has been evident over time.

“I’ve changed a lot,” Mejia said. “I feel like I’m more of a leader now. As a freshman I was really shy, but now I try to help everyone improve.”

As seniors, both players understand their role in setting the tone.

“I feel like I have to represent for the underclassmen,” Berry said. “They look up to us and want to be in our position one day.”

Rideau has emphasized that development since taking over the program in 2019. 

As an alumnus, Rideau has focused on building a culture that extends beyond wins and losses.

Rideau said that development is the ultimate goal of the program.

“Life lessons,” Rideau said. “Whatever they choose to do, they do it to the best of their ability.”

For Mejia, the meaning of the season is personal.

“It means everything,” Mejia said. “It’s my last ride with all my friends, so it pushes me to be the best I can.”

As the season continues, the team remains focused on its goals.

But at St. Mary’s, the experience is defined by more than wins and losses. 

It is built on resilience, discipline and making the most of every opportunity.