Congratulations to Hunter Killian ’27, who was recently named the Velo Hero National Champion for baseball in the 13-year-old division. The contest is a measurement of a baseball player’s exit velocity — how hard they hit the ball. Hunter competed against 13-year-olds from across the country. There were 18 locations around the U.S. where players could participate in the competition, with approximately 630 competitors in his division. Hunter, who has been a baseball player since early childhood, had a score of 77.3!

“The score is measured in miles per hour,” explained Hunter. “The exit velocity measurement for the competition was very structured. Everyone had to hit off a tee and be measured using the same technology. Hitting off a tee always produces the lowest m.p.h., because there’s no counterforce or inertia. The average exit velocity for a person my age is 62 off of a tee.” 

A dedicated athlete, Hunter trains at the Tuckahoe Sports Incorporated (TSI) training center six days a week. “I’m currently on four teams,” he said. “I’m on the Steward junior varsity and Middle School teams and the TSI Mid-Atlantic Orioles 13U team, and I just made the Virginia team that will play at the USSSA All-State National Championship in Dallas this summer.”

Way to go, Hunter! We are so proud of you.