Jacob Colgan is an ASU Cronkite Journalism student assigned to cover Arcadia High School for AZPreps365.com

Baseball has never been just about the sport to Arcadia High School’s senior pitcher Hank Jensen.

Hank Jensen is a hardworking individual who is not only determined to accomplish his goals on the field, but off of it, as he is set to graduate from high school and move on to the next stages of his life.

“My dad loves the game, so he put me in T-ball when I was young, and I’ve played ever since,” Jensen said. “I don’t really know what it’s like not playing.”

Growing up, his love for the game grew from going to Arizona Diamondbacks games. And as a diehard fan of the team, those experiences early on helped turn baseball into more than just a hobby. 

“I never really played club ball growing up,” Jensen said. “I played Little League and Pony League with local guys until I was about 13.”

It wasn’t until just before his freshman year that he joined a club team, gaining his first real exposure to higher-level competition. Even then, nothing about his path was rushed.

In his freshman year, he showed that adaptability by stepping into the catcher's role because the team didn't have one. 

By his sophomore year, he earned a spot on the varsity team as a backup catcher, contributing to the team's success. 

It wasn’t until his junior year that he finally got his opportunity to pitch. “I never really pitched a lot until last year,” said Jensen. “But we had injuries, so I started getting more starts. I threw a lot of strikes, got a lot of ground balls and fly balls, and realized I can do this.” 

With a full offseason to prepare, he embraced his new role as a pitcher and began putting in extra work to develop consistency and command. Now, as a senior, he’s taken on an even bigger responsibility, not just as a starter, but as a leader. 

“He’s one of the most reliable guys we have,” said head coach Jeff Fierro. “He’s worked hard for everything he's gotten. When he got his opportunity on the mound, he made the most of it.”

That growth came during a transition period for the program. After a coaching change, players had to adjust to a new system and leadership style.

“It was weird at first,” Jensen said. “But our new staff is great.”

Arcadia’s pitching coach, Austin McWilliams, emphasized the mental side of his development. “What stands out is his composure; he throws strikes, competes, and doesn’t get rattled,” McWilliams said.

But beyond his performance on the field, what matters to Hank Jensen most is the relationships he's built along the way. “Baseball is everything,” Jensen said. “The relationships I've built are the main reason. I love the guys at Arcadia. Even past seniors, I still talk to them. We’ve got a great community.”

Looking ahead, his goals are drawing attention to the next level, but he is staying patient with the recruiting process. “I plan on going to any college that’ll let me play baseball,” Jensen said.

Jensen would like to go to college in the Pacific Northwest, where he intends to spend the rest of his life. Being able to play baseball and get an education there would be special to him. “I just want to take baseball as far as I can,”  he said.

For now, his focus remains on the present, finishing his senior year strong and helping lead Arcadia toward a playoff push.